29 Tax Write-Offs for Content Creators
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years. Content creators truly live a life of freedom. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean freedom from paying your taxes — but there is an easy way to reduce your bill come tax time.
You know all those ordinary business expenses you rack up as you find your perfect camera angles: the filming equipment, the lunches while you meet new sponsors, the trips you take to vlog about your experience? Those can all be written off on your taxes!
They say that everything is content, which makes it easier than most professions to reasonably claim something as a business expense. But in case you’re having trouble picturing it, we’ve gathered the best write-offs for content creators all in one place. Now that deserves a like!
Makeup, snacks, clothing, and more can be written off if you buy them solely to review.
If you host a contest for your followers, make sure to write off the prizes you give away.
Write off your camera, tripod, ringlight, and any other equipment you use to create content.
If you use Photoshop, Lightroom, or Final Cut Pro to edit images or video, you can write them off.
Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Subscriptions and licenses for Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software can be deducted.
Hiring a photographer to take professional photos for your portfolio can be deducted.
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
If you work with an agent, any fees they charge are write-offs.
Write off live webcasting apps, teleprompter apps, and filter apps: anything that helps you connect with your audience.
Deduct anything you order to show off your personal brand: T-shirts, stickers, mugs, and more.
If you drive for work ...
A portion of expenses like gas and bringing your car in for an oil change be written off if you drive your car for work. Some examples of why a content creator might drive for work include:
Picking up products to review
Going to a photo or video shoot
Meeting with a marketing manager
Attending a networking event
Dropping off a package
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
You'll likely do a fair share of networking from your home base, such as grabbing food or drinks with brand ambassadors, artists, photographers, or fellow content creators. These qualify as business meals, and you can deduct the costs from your taxes.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off! Keep in mind business meals are only 50% deductible.
If you leave town for work ...
Securing brand deals is a content creator's bread and butter, which often involves travel. If you need to head to an out-of-town shooting location, meeting with a brand, networking event, or industry conference, you can write your travel expenses off on your taxes.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
When you're traveling for work, your meals are a write-off, even takeout. Like all business meals, they're 50% deductible, whether you eat on the road or close to home.
If you work from home ...
Location scouting isn't always necessary for content creators who can whip up a compelling ad or video right from their homes. You might also work at your home desk on things like:
Industry research
Affiliate marketing outreach
Marketing campaigns
Social media assets
If you work on content creation from home, don't forget to write off part of your home office expenses.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
A repair only to your home office is deductible in full. A repair to the whole home is an indirect expense, so you deduct it in proportion to your home office percentage on Form 8829.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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