Reviewed by
a tax professional
NAICS code:
711510
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!
💄
Products to review
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
Makeup, snacks, clothing, and more can be written off if you buy them solely to review.
🎁
Prizes & giveaways
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 8
If you host a contest for your followers, make sure to write off the prizes you give away.
📸
Camera & accessories
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off your camera, tripod, ringlight, and any other equipment you use to create content.
💻
Editing software
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 18
If you use Photoshop, Lightroom, or Final Cut Pro to edit images or video, you can write them off.
📣
Online advertising
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 8
Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.
🎨
Creative assistance
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
💻
Photo editing software
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 18
Subscriptions and licenses for Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software can be deducted.
🖼️
Professional photos
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 11
Hiring a photographer to take professional photos for your portfolio can be deducted.
📱
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
🤝
Agent fees
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 10
If you work with an agent, any fees they charge are write-offs.
🤳
App subscriptions
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 18
Write off live webcasting apps, teleprompter apps, and filter apps: anything that helps you connect with your audience.
👚
Personalized merch
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 8
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
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
🚘
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.
🧰
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.
☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
🔧
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 ...
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.
🍔
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 ...
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.
🛫
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.
🏨
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.
🥡
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 ...
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.
🛋️
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.
🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
🌪️
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.
🚰
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.
🌐
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!
