Written by
H&R Block Advisors
Working shifts through GoTu means you’re in charge of your schedule and your taxes. As a 1099 contractor, you’re eligible for a variety of tax deductions that traditional employees might not access. These deductions can reduce your taxable income and help you keep more of what you earn. Below is a breakdown of common deductions, tailored for dental hygienists, dentists, and clinicians using GoTu.
Top Deductions for Dental Professionals Using GoTu
To count as a deduction, an expense generally must be ordinary (common and accepted in your line of work) and necessary (helpful and appropriate for your business). You’ll want to keep records and receipts, especially since the IRS may request proof.
Here are some of the most common tax deductions for independent contractors working on GoTu:
| Deduction | What It Covers / Example | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Scrubs and uniforms | Scrubs, lab coats, shoes used for work | Deductible if required for your work and not suitable for everyday wear |
| Protective gear and supplies | Masks, gloves, face shields, loupes, handpieces, and disposables | Everyday clinical expenses can add up, so keep receipts |
| Licensing and renewal fees | State dental hygiene or dental licenses, CPR certifications, DEA registration | Deduct the fees you pay to stay credentialed and compliant |
| Continuing education | CE courses, conferences, workshops, textbooks, and professional journals | Must be related to maintaining or improving your clinical skills |
| Professional association dues | Memberships like ADHA, ADA, or local dental societies | Annual dues are generally deductible as a professional expense |
| Insurance premiums | Malpractice/liability insurance, health insurance (if self-employed) | Self-employed health insurance is deductible for you, spouse, and dependents |
| Mileage and travel | Driving between offices for shifts or going to CE events | Track mileage with an app or use the IRS standard mileage rate |
| Equipment and tools | Ultrasonic scalers, curing lights, or other small instruments you purchase yourself | Large items may qualify for Section 179 depreciation |
| Software and apps | Tax prep software or accounting tools | Anything you pay to manage your business operations qualifies |
Do You Need an LLC to Claim These?
The good news is you don’t need an LLC to claim these deductions. As a 1099 contractor, you can already deduct business expenses directly on Schedule C when you file your taxes. Every professional using GoTu has access to these deductions whether or not they’ve formed a business entity.
So why consider an LLC?
Forming an LLC doesn’t unlock new deductions, but it can:
- Help you separate business and personal finances
- Offer liability protection
- Create more flexibility in how you’re taxed (for example, electing S-Corp status)
That’s why GoTu partnered with H&R Block to make setting up an LLC easier. If you’re ready to take your independence a step further, creating an LLC can help you maximize the advantages of being a 1099 professional.
The Bottom Line
Working shifts through GoTu gives you control over your schedule and your career, and being a 1099 contractor gives you control over your finances, too. By understanding which expenses qualify as deductions, you can lower your tax liability and keep more of the money you earn.
Whether you simply track your scrubs, CE, and mileage or decide to take the next step and create an LLC with the help of our H&R Block partnership, you have the tools to build your career on your own terms.
Tax season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you stay organized and make the most of your 1099 status. With GoTu, you’re not just working shifts, you’re building independence, financial freedom, and a future that works for you.
