Is a massage tax-deductible?

A relaxing massage can work wonders, especially during or after a stressful period. As a self-employed professional, you’ve no doubt had moments when a massage would be more than welcome.

And since work-related stress is often the trigger, the question arises: can you deduct the cost of a massage as a business expense?

Personal massages are not tax-deductible

Expenses without a clear link to your professional activity are generally not accepted as deductible business costs.

So unfortunately, a relaxing massage falls into the same category as personal expenses, just like going to the hairdresser, grocery shopping, or your Netflix subscription.

Sports massages are generally not accepted either. However, a professional athlete might be able to justify the business link more easily than, say, a shop owner.

Claiming a personal massage as a business expense? That’s entirely at your own risk. 😉

Workplace massages are tax-deductible

Do you offer massages at the workplace as an employer? In that case, they are tax-deductible.

Research shows that massages help reduce stress, lower absenteeism, and boost employee productivity.

So, in the context of workplace wellbeing, the tax authorities do recognise company-provided massages as a deductible business expense.

In summary

✅ Tax-deductible: workplace massages as part of a wellbeing policy
❌ Not tax-deductible: personal massages

Looking to give your employees an extra boost? A workplace massage isn’t just a thoughtful perk: it’s also a tax-efficient investment.