Life Coach
Tax guide for New Zealand self-employed life coaches and mindset coaches
Allowable Expenses
- Coaching certification — ICF, NZAC, or other coaching body registration fees
- Supervision costs — Professional supervision for maintaining coaching standards
- Online platform — Zoom, Calendly, practice management software
- Marketing — Website, social media, coaching directory listings
- Professional development — Advanced coaching programmes, retreat attendance
Tax Tips
- ICF membership and CPD requirements are deductible professional expenses
- Online session tools (Zoom, Calendly Pro) are 100% deductible subscriptions
- Professional development retreats — only the professional development portion is deductible, not the personal relaxation element
- Professional supervision fees required by your coaching body are deductible business development costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ICF membership fees deductible for NZ life coaches?
Yes. ICF (International Coach Federation) or other professional coaching body membership fees are deductible business expenses for self-employed coaches who use the membership as part of their professional practice.
Can NZ life coaches claim advanced coaching programmes as professional development?
Yes. Accredited coaching training programmes and mentoring courses that maintain or advance your coaching qualifications are deductible professional development costs. Keep the course outline and evidence of professional purpose.
Is supervision for NZ life coaches a deductible expense?
Yes. Professional supervision required by your coaching body or professional standards is a deductible business expense for self-employed life coaches.
Do NZ life coaches need to register for GST?
If your annual coaching income exceeds NZ$60,000, GST registration is mandatory. Life coaching services are standard-rated at 15% GST. Below the threshold, registration is voluntary but allows you to claim back GST on business purchases.