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.
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.
Schedule C, Box 27a
The gaming systems you use to stream, like your Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any video games you buy to play and stream can be deducted.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Subscriptions like Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass, plus in-game purchases, are write-offs for you.
Schedule C, Box 22
Headsets, cameras, and any other equipment for streaming can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Decorations, posters, and other props you set up in your streaming background are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
Schedule C, Box 10
If you have an agent represent you, write off their fees or commissions.
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.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
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.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
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!
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
You likely do the bulk of your video game streaming from home — as well as other work tasks, like watching other streamers, working on your personal brand, and creating marketing assets.
Sound like you? Then you can deduct a portion of home office expenses from your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
