What Can Influencers Write Off for Taxes? (Maximize Your Deductions!)
If you're making money as an influencer, blogger, YouTuber, or content creator, you might be wondering: What expenses can I deduct on my taxes?
The good news? There are plenty of tax deductions available to influencers—but only if you claim them correctly! Deducting your business expenses can lower your taxable income, meaning you’ll pay less tax and keep more of your hard-earned money.
Let’s break down everything you can write off as an influencer or digital creator.
1. Equipment & Tech Deductions
Influencers rely on high-quality equipment to create content. If you purchase gear exclusively for business use, you can write off the full cost or claim a percentage if used personally.
✅ Cameras, Lenses & Tripods – DSLR cameras, GoPros, ring lights
✅ Microphones & Audio Equipment – Podcasting mics, lavalier mics, audio interfaces
✅ Laptops, Desktops & Tablets – Used for editing, managing content, and business tasks
✅ Smartphones & Accessories – If used primarily for content creation
✅ External Hard Drives & SD Cards – Storing large video and image files
💡 Pro Tip: If an item costs over $1,000, it may need to be depreciated over several years rather than written off all at once.
2. Home Office & Workspace Expenses
Many influencers work from home, meaning you may be able to claim a percentage of home expenses as business-related deductions.
✅ Rent & Mortgage Interest – If you have a dedicated home office space
✅ Internet & Phone Bills – The portion used for content creation and business calls
✅ Electricity & Utilities – If your home office increases power usage
✅ Office Furniture & Supplies – Desk, chair, ring lights, tripods
✅ Coworking Space Fees – If you rent a space to work outside of home
💡 Important: You can’t claim 100% of your rent or bills unless your home is solely used for business. The ATO allows deductions based on the percentage of space used exclusively for work.
3. Software & Subscriptions
Influencers often use paid software and tools to create content and run their businesses. These are fully deductible expenses!
✅ Photo & Video Editing Software – Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Final Cut Pro, Canva Pro
✅ Social Media Scheduling Tools – Later, Hootsuite, Buffer
✅ SEO & Analytics Software – SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Ads
✅ Website Hosting & Domain Fees – WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, domain renewals
✅ Cloud Storage Services – Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud
💡 Pro Tip: Subscription-based services can be deducted annually as long as they are used for business purposes.
4. Content Creation Expenses
Creating content costs money, and the ATO allows you to deduct expenses directly related to your influencer business.
✅ Props & Set Design – Backdrops, decorations, themed props for videos
✅ Makeup & Wardrobe – If used exclusively for content creation (e.g., beauty influencers)
✅ Photo Shoots & Videography Costs – Studio rental, professional photographers
✅ Paid Advertising – Facebook ads, Instagram promotions, Google Ads
✅ Music & Sound Effects – If purchased for videos, YouTube, or podcasts
💡 Important: Dual-purpose items (like makeup you use personally) must be partially deducted—only for the portion used for content.
5. Travel & Business Trips
If you travel for content creation, brand collaborations, or events, those expenses may be tax-deductible.
✅ Flights & Accommodation – Work-related trips, influencer press events
✅ Meals & Entertainment – If part of a business-related event
✅ Ride Shares & Transport – Uber, taxis, rental cars
✅ Per Diems & Daily Expenses – If traveling for business purposes
💡 Pro Tip: Personal trips aren’t deductible, but if you combine business with personal travel, only the work-related portion can be written off.
6. Professional Services & Business Fees
Running a content business means hiring professionals and paying business-related fees. These costs are deductible!
✅ Accountants & Tax Agents – If you hire an accountant (like us!)
✅ Business Coaching & Courses – If related to growing your business
✅ Legal Fees & Contracts – Lawyers, trademark registrations, business agreements
✅ Virtual Assistants & Editors – If you outsource video editing, social media management
✅ Bank Fees & Payment Processing – PayPal, Stripe, OnlyFans withdrawal fees
💡 Pro Tip: If you hire freelancers or contractors, keep detailed records of payments for tax time.
How to Claim Your Influencer Tax Deductions
✅ Keep all receipts & invoices – The ATO requires proof of expenses.
✅ Track expenses separately – Use an accounting app like QuickBooks or Xero.
✅ Only claim what’s necessary – Over-claiming can trigger an ATO audit.
💡 Warning: The ATO is cracking down on influencers who don’t declare income properly. Make sure you’re keeping track of both income and expenses to stay compliant.
Need Help with Your Influencer Taxes? We’ve Got You Covered!
At Dolman Bateman Chartered Accountants we help influencers:
✔ Legally maximize deductions – So you keep more of your income
✔ Avoid ATO audits & fines – We make sure everything is done right
✔ Structure your business properly – Sole trader vs company? We’ll guide you
🚀 Book a tax consultation today and let’s get your finances influencer-ready!
📩 Contact us now before tax time sneaks up on you!
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