Membership Fees and Subscriptions You Can Write Off on Your Taxes

22 September 2025

Let’s be honest—tax season can feel like a giant, confusing puzzle, and you're trying to put it together without the picture on the box. But here’s the good news: if you're spending money on memberships or subscriptions that help you grow professionally or run your business, Uncle Sam might cut you some slack.

Yep, certain fees you pay throughout the year might actually be tax-deductible. That means more money in your pocket and less in the IRS's. So, let’s break down exactly what kinds of membership fees and subscriptions you can write off and how to do it right. No fluff. Just the straight-up facts, broken down into bite-sized chunks.

What Does It Mean to "Write Off" Something?

Let’s start with some clarity. Writing something off doesn't mean it’s free (though wouldn’t that be nice?). A write-off, or deduction, lowers your taxable income. If you made $60,000 and wrote off $5,000 in expenses, the IRS taxes you on $55,000—not the full $60K.

So, when we talk about writing off fees or subscriptions, we mean claiming them as deductions on your tax return. This can reduce the amount of income you’re taxed on, and potentially put you in a lower tax bracket. That’s a win.

What’s the Catch? Here's the IRS Rulebook (In Human Language)

The IRS isn’t just letting people write off Netflix and call it a business expense (although wouldn’t that be sweet?). To qualify, the fee or subscription must be:

- Related to your trade or profession
- Ordinary and necessary (IRS speak for “it makes sense for your job”)
- Directly connected to earning income

If you’re self-employed or run a business, your options expand fast. If you’re a W-2 employee, you’ve got fewer deductions since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, but there are still a few tricks up your sleeve.

Types of Membership Fees That Can Be Deducted

1. Professional Organization Fees

Are you a member of a trade association, union, or industry group? Those dues are usually deductible.

Examples:

- American Bar Association (for lawyers)
- National Association of Realtors (for real estate agents)
- Freelancers Union
- Chamber of Commerce fees

If the organization helps you make money or stay current in your field, it’s likely deductible.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the receipt or annual statement they send—you’ll need it come tax time.

2. Business Networking Groups

If you’ve ever joined a networking group to meet new clients or drum up business, you may be in luck.

Think:

- BNI (Business Network International)
- Local business networking meetups
- Entrepreneurial mastermind groups

These are considered marketing expenses in most cases, especially if you’re using them to grow your business.

3. Union Dues

Union dues used to be deductible for W-2 employees. Since the tax overhaul in 2017, that deduction is suspended for most employees until 2025—but if you’re self-employed and pay dues to a union or worker's group tied to your trade? Still fair game.

Subscriptions That You Can Write Off

1. Industry-Specific Publications

Do you subscribe to magazines, journals, or newsletters that are specific to your profession? That’s a tax write-off.

Examples:

- The Journal of Accountancy (for accountants)
- Architectural Digest (for architects, obviously)
- Harvard Business Review (for business leaders)

As long as the content relates to your field and helps you stay sharp or informed, it’s deductible.

2. Online Learning Platforms

Are you paying for continued education related to your profession? That could count, too.

Think:

- LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera
- Udemy
- MasterClass (only if it’s job-specific—watching Gordon Ramsay cook for fun doesn’t count)

If you’re gaining knowledge that will improve or maintain your skills for your profession, many of these platforms fall under the category of deductible expenses.

3. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Subscriptions

Ah, the good ol’ monthly charges for apps and services. If you use them for your business, don’t just sit there—write ‘em off.

Common examples:

- QuickBooks (accounting)
- Canva Pro (design)
- Grammarly Premium (writing)
- Zoom (meetings)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (design, photography, video)

If the software helps you run your business or do your job better, it's probably deductible. Just don’t claim that Spotify subscription unless you’re a DJ or sound editor.

What You Can’t Write Off (So Don’t Even Try)

Not every fee or subscription makes the cut. These are usually not tax-deductible:

- Gym memberships (unless you’re a personal trainer or health professional using it for work)
- Country club dues
- Netflix, HBO, Hulu (unless they’re part of your work—hello, entertainment industry!)
- Political club memberships
- Social clubs (Lions Club, Toastmasters, etc. are rarely deductible unless you can prove a direct business link)

When in doubt, ask yourself: “Is this directly helping me earn income?” If the answer is no, save yourself the audit drama.

A Word for Employees vs. Entrepreneurs

If you're self-employed, your chances of deducting these kinds of expenses are way higher. These write-offs go on Schedule C of your tax return and directly lower your business net income.

But if you’re a full-time employee (W-2), many of these deductions were tossed out with the 2017 tax law changes. There are a few exceptions, like if you're an educator or work in specific fields, but the landscape isn’t as friendly.

Still, it’s worth tracking your expenses. Tax laws change, and being organized now can save time later.

What About Side Hustles?

This is where things get interesting. If you’ve got a gig—freelancing, consulting, selling on Etsy, whatever—that earns you money, congratulations: you're a business owner in the eyes of the IRS.

That means you can potentially deduct:

- Memberships to freelancer groups
- Subscriptions to marketing tools
- Online learning for your side gig
- Email marketing services
- Even your domain name and website hosting

Just make sure you’re treating it like a business. That means tracking income and expenses, having a separate bank account (if possible), and filing accordingly.

How to Keep Track and Claim These Deductions

Here’s the not-so-sexy side of write-offs: record-keeping. But it’s crucial.

1. Save receipts and invoices – You’d be amazed how many people forget about subscriptions they pay for monthly.
2. Use accounting software – QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or even a spreadsheet will do.
3. Categorize the expense correctly – This helps your accountant (or you) come tax time.
4. File with care – If you’re self-employed, use a Schedule C. If you’re running an LLC or S-corp, the rules are a bit different.

Also, pro tip: Don’t go deduction-crazy. Only claim what’s legit. The IRS loves entrepreneurs, but they keep a close eye out for “creative deductions."

Real-Life Examples

Let’s make this super clear with some real-world setups.

Example 1: Freelance Graphic Designer

- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription? Write-off.
- Canva Pro? Yep.
- Online course on logo design? Definitely.

Example 2: Realtor

- Annual dues to National Association of Realtors? Write-off.
- Local Chamber of Commerce membership? Also good.
- Zillow Premiere Agent subscription? You better believe it.

Example 3: eCommerce Side Hustler

- Shopify subscription? Yes.
- Email marketing tool? Yep.
- Business coaching membership? If it helps you grow your biz, absolutely.

Don’t Forget About Bundled Expenses

Some platforms roll multiple tools into one. Maybe your subscription includes community access, educational resources, and job boards. If you’re using all of it professionally, the full cost might be deductible—just make sure your usage supports that.

Always Check With a Tax Pro

Look, we’re all about saving money, but every situation is unique. Some of these deductions are straightforward, others fall into a gray area. A 30-minute chat with a CPA could save you hundreds—sometimes thousands.

Especially if your business is scaling or your tax return is getting complicated, it's smart to have a professional in your corner.

Final Thoughts

Writing off membership fees and subscriptions on your taxes isn’t some hidden secret. It’s a legit way to make your money work smarter for you. As long as it’s tied to your business or profession, and you’re tracking everything responsibly, you’re in good shape.

So next time you see that monthly charge hit your card, don’t just wince and forget about it. Ask yourself: “Can I write this off?” If the answer is yes, smile—you just got a little closer to keeping more of your hard-earned cash.