25 Tax Write-Offs for Video Game Streamers

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Does thinking about filing your self-employment taxes give you a twitch? It's time to come up with a game plan that will help you approach the process with more confidence.

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You can start by looking through our list of top write-offs for video game streamers. Whether you stream on Twitch, YouTube Gaming, or another platform, if any of these expenses apply to you, you should use them to lower your taxable income.

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Gaming system
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

The gaming systems you use to stream, like your Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, can be written off.

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Video games
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any video games you buy to play and stream can be deducted.

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Gaming subscriptions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Subscriptions like Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass, plus in-game purchases, are write-offs for you.

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Steaming equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Headsets, cameras, and any other equipment for streaming can be written off.

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Streaming backdrops
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Decorations, posters, and other props you set up in your streaming background are deductible.

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Online advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.

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Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

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Creative assistance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

If you need to hire an editor,โ€ˆdesigner, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.

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Agent fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

If you have an agent represent you, write off their fees or commissions.

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If you drive for work ...

Ready, Player One? If you drive your car to attend streaming meetups or to pick up new video games, it's time to start writing off your car expenses.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Business meal deductions can be a game changer for video game streamers who often meet with video game developers, marketing managers, or fellow streamers to talk about work.

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Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Traveling to another city for a collaboration with other streamers or to attend a gaming conference counts as a business trip. Go ahead and write off your travel costs!

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

You likely do the bulk of your video game streaming from home โ€” as well as other work tasks, like watching other streamers, working on your personal brand, and creating marketing assets.

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Sound like you? Then you can deduct a portion of home office expenses from your taxes.

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

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Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

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Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!