Tax Breaks for Continuing Education, Conferences & Publications

CPA for Medical Practice | CPA for Healthcare Professionals | Dentist CPA in Los Angeles

If you’re a doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional, you already know that staying current is non-negotiable. Whether you’re attending an annual dental conference, subscribing to medical journals, or investing in new certifications — it all costs money.

But here’s the good news: many of these professional development expenses are tax-deductible. Unfortunately, far too many healthcare professionals miss out on these deductions simply because they don’t know the rules — or don’t track them properly.

At Velin & Associates, Inc, we help doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals make the most of every eligible tax break — so you can invest in your knowledge without overpaying the IRS.

What Counts as Deductible Continuing Education?

In general, the IRS allows you to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses for education that:
✔ Maintains or improves your skills in your current profession
✔ Is required by law or your licensing board

What doesn’t count?

Education that qualifies you for a new profession. For example, a dentist can’t deduct law school tuition.

Common Deductible Education Expenses

Tuition for Courses & Certifications

Example:
A dentist pays $2,500 for an advanced cosmetic dentistry course to maintain their license. That cost is deductible as a business expense.

Professional Conferences

Example:
A doctor attends a 3-day medical conference in Chicago, spending $1,200 on registration and $800 on flights and hotel. As long as the trip is primarily for business, these costs are deductible — just keep the receipts and conference agenda.

Books, Journals & Subscriptions

Example:
A dentist subscribes to a dental research journal and pays for annual membership in a professional dental association — both are deductible expenses.

Travel Related to Education
If you travel to a seminar or conference, the transportation, lodging, and 50% of your meals are generally deductible — but only the days directly related to business. Combining vacation with a conference? Be careful — you can only deduct the business portion.

Publication Costs
If you write or co-author articles for medical journals, expenses related to publishing — such as editing fees, submission fees, or professional design — can be deductible too.

Example:
A healthcare consultant pays $600 in submission fees for a peer-reviewed article that supports their authority in the field. This is an ordinary business expense that helps maintain professional reputation and income.

Mistakes We See Too Often

🚫 Not Keeping Receipts: Many medical professionals lose track of conference receipts, flights, or hotel invoices — and then can’t claim them.
🚫 Combining Vacation & Education Without Proper Records: If you tack on extra days, be sure you can prove what was business and what was personal.
🚫 Missing Small Annual Costs: Subscriptions, association dues, and CE webinars add up. Don’t overlook them!

Final Thoughts

The right education and networking can grow your career — and smart tax planning can help you do it more affordably.

If you want peace of mind that you’re claiming every allowable expense, talk to a CPA for Medical Practice or Dentist CPA who understands the ins and outs of healthcare tax rules.

At Velin & Associates, Inc, we specialize in helping doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals in Los Angeles reduce taxes legally while investing in their professional future.

For more information about our services, please visit our website.

Velin & Associates, Inc

8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org