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!
Schedule C, Box 27a
Makeup, snacks, clothing, and more can be written off if you buy them solely to review.
Schedule C, Box 8
If you host a contest for your followers, make sure to write off the prizes you give away.
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Write off your camera, tripod, ringlight, and any other equipment you use to create content.
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If you use Photoshop, Lightroom, or Final Cut Pro to edit images or video, you can write them off.
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Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.
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If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
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Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
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Subscriptions and licenses for Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software can be deducted.
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Hiring a photographer to take professional photos for your portfolio can be deducted.
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If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
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If you work with an agent, any fees they charge are write-offs.
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Write off live webcasting apps, teleprompter apps, and filter apps: anything that helps you connect with your audience.
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Deduct anything you order to show off your personal brand: T-shirts, stickers, mugs, and more.
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
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!
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If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
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Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
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Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
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Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
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.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
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.
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!
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.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
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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!
