50+ Tax Deductions (You’re Missing) as a Blogger and Content Creator: Tax Season Tips for Online Influencers

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Are you looking for the best tax deductions as a Blogger or Content Creator?

Did you know that as an Online Influencer, you can write-off some of the common items you use to make your web empire awesome?

You have sacrificed sleep and your social life to get that time sensitive post out for your followers.

I understand this burden and I am here to help you steer through the world of taxes, especially the tax issues that affect you as a Blogger, Vlogger, or Content Creator because I am one as well.

In this article I will show you how to get the most business deductions and lower your tax bill.

Tax Deductions for Content Creators and Bloggers

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Key Takeaways:

  • Self-employment tax: Bloggers and Content Creators must account for self-employment tax, which includes Social Security and Medicare contributions.
  • Estimated tax payments: To avoid penalties, bloggers should make estimated tax payments if they owe more than $1,000.
  • As a self-employed Content Creator, you will not have taxes automatically deducted from your income. If your tax liability exceeds $1,000, you are required to make estimated tax payments to the IRS on a quarterly basis.
  • Hobby vs. business: The IRS may classify your blog as a hobby if it doesn’t show a profit, affecting your ability to claim deductions.
  • EIN number: Bloggers may need an EIN if they hire employees or operate as an LLC.

Keep reading to get the full list of items you can deduct this year!

Commonly Missed Tax Write-offs for Bloggers and Online Influencers

For some, like myself, blogging gives you a taxable income. You may be able to deduct some of your blogging or freelancing adventures, but first you will want to make sure all your documents are in line.

When preparing for the tax season, please keep in mind that you can write-off expenses that are common for your profession and ones that are necessary to help you run a business.

I’ve put together an easy tax deductions checklist for Bloggers and Content Creators to download below.

Self-Employed Tax Deduction Checklist

Self-Employed Tax Checklist for Content Creators
Self-Employed Tax Checklist for Content Creators (Click Image to Get Your Copy TODAY!)

Power Tip: If you need to claim expenses, then be sure to fill out the itemized deduction Schedule A Form.

7 Common Deductions for Bloggers and Content Creators

Now that we have some of the basic information out of the way, let’s go through the commonly missed items that you can deduct on your taxes.

1. Clothing

Your work outfit has to be specific to the work you do as a Blogger or Social Media Influencer.

For example, special shirts, pants, or shoes that are highly impactful for your blog or social media message are items you can write-off when doing your taxes.

Cardigans and Pants Fall Aesthetic Outfit Ideas for Florida

You just have to be able to prove its necessity for accomplishing your job as an Online Influencer.

Tax Deductions for Fashion Bloggers and Content Creators

Clothing can be a write-off for you if you’re a fashion blogger since you’ll need to invest in outfits for photo shoots or promotional events while working with brands.

Recommended: How Our Co-founder, Nikida, Grew Her Blog From 0 to $10K+ a Month

2. Supplies and Subscriptions

Any amount you spend on materials you purchase as a Blogger or Content Creator for your business.

Blogger taking photo of content to help with taxes

Listed below are some deductions you may be missing each tax year and not even know that you’re eligible to claim.

These items include:

Power Tip: Keep a good record of each item you buy with Freshbooks, just in case you need it in the future for the IRS.

3. Education

When it comes to your education, which is highly important to stay competitive, these fees can also be written off.

Along with any travel associated with obtaining your continued education, such as blog conferences.

Seminars and online courses (like The Blog Ranking Academy) can also be written off if they’re used to enhance your skill for your blog business.

Subscriptions to online media related to your blog business also counts as deductions since you need them to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

Create Your Blog Post in Half the Time Today!

4. Start-up and Operating Expenses

Start-up expenses are everything you spent to get your blog business running such as, equipment, online services, rental space (if needed), marketing, etc.

NikkyJ ThemeParkHipster Disney Blogger Vlogger and Influencer with the Dapper Dans at Disneyland
It’s me doing research at Disneyland for my website 🙂

The IRS treats these differently, in the fact that you can write off up to $5,000 on your taxes, with the rest being depreciated over 15 years.

Your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or trusted Tax Advisor can go into more detail on depreciation with you.

Depreciation means you can claim some of the equipment costs for a smaller tax break over a few years (read more about the process called depreciation here).

Operating costs are the expenses needed to maintain your business such as, monthly subscriptions and website hosting fees.

Get your FREE Tax Refund Estimator TODAY!

5. Travel Expenses + Deductions for Travel Bloggers/Influencers

As a Content Creator you can deduct your travel expenses, especially if it’s a destination that will be featured on your blog or on your social media to help you make income for your business.

Hollywood California Near Los Angeles Ovation with NikkyJ

Additionally, travel expenses incurred while attending conferences or meeting brands can also be deducted, provided they are directly related to your blogging activities.

6. Additional Services

Services such as advertising or business coaching are examples of services needed to maintain the integrity of your business.

Tax deductions for Barbers_Stylists_Beauticians with stylists choosing clothes for client

Don’t forget about the costs of hiring freelancers, such as graphic designers or photographers; these services can contribute significantly to your content quality and are tax-deductible.

By meticulously tracking these expenses throughout the year, you not only save money but it also empowers you to reinvest in your craft more effectively!

Save Money (even on a tight budget) with This ULTIMATE SAVINGS GUIDE!

7. Health Insurance Deductions

As a Self-employed Blogger, you can deduct your health insurance premiums, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, from your taxable income.

This deduction is available as long as the insurance is not provided through a spouse’s employer. It’s a significant tax break that can help reduce your overall tax liability.

Other Tax Deductions for Bloggers

Now that you have the most important deductions to consider, I want to go a bit more in-depth with other expenses you need to keep track of throughout the year.

Tax Deductions for Fashion Bloggers with content creator taking a photo

Online Tools

Home Office

  • Portion of landline/cell phone dedicated to your business
  • PC equipment used to blog or create content online
  • Home Office (room exclusive use only, contact us for more details)
  • Business Cards
  • Office Supplies
  • Cameras
  • Digital memory cards
  • Recordable CDs and DVDs
  • Cloud Services
  • Business furniture
  • Zip drives
  • Photo printouts and processing
  • Printer ink and copier toner
  • Long distance charges related to business
  • Business equipment rental
  • Computer upgrades and depreciation costs of computer equipment

Travel

Education and Professional Tools

  • Industry books & periodicals, including audio books
  • Magazine subscriptions
  • Research sites that require a subscription
  • Educational webinars
  • Business podcasts
  • Professional memberships
  • Online courses

Miscellaneous

Tax Related Items

  • Real estate taxes paid (% for your home office)
  • Qualified mortgage insurance premiums (% for your home office)
  • Deductible mortgage interest (% for your home office)

Create Your Blog Post in Half the Time Today!

Forms Needed to Claim Tax Deductions as a Blogger or Online Influencer

Bloggers and Online Influencers are generally independent contractors, meaning self-employed.

self employed expenses tracker square digital book cover
Click image to get your list of tax deductions!

Whatever way you are paid, you’ll want to keep track of every amount of money you receive. IRS Form 1040 is needed to write off your expenses as a Blogger, Vlogger, or Social Media Influencer.

The expenses of your business will be placed inside the deductions area of Form 1040.

Power Tip: Use the standard deduction only if your total expenses do not exceed the dollar amount set by the IRS.

For tax year 2025, the standard deduction amounts are as follows:

2025 Standard Deduction and Personal Exemption (Estimate)
Filing StatusDeduction Amount
Single $15,000.00
Married Filing Jointly $30,000.00
Head of Household $22,500.00
Married Filing Separately $15,000.00
Personal Exemption Eliminated

An itemized deduction is only needed if your expenses are more than the set standard deduction dollar amount. You can use the IRS Form 1040 Schedule C if you need to itemize your deductions.

Remember: Keep track of your expenses and income on a spreadsheet or bookkeeping program such as FreshBooks.

How do You Know if Your Blog is a Business for Tax Purpose?

The IRS will categorize your blog as either a business or hobby. If your blog is a hobby, then you cannot claim any tax deductions.

In order to be seen as a business you must have a profit in at least three of the most recent five tax years.

Get Your ULTIMATE Tax Planning Guide TODAY!

2025 Tax Planning Guide eBook

How to Keep Your Tax Information Organized

If you want more handy tax tips, then feel free to check out my latest articles here. You can sign up to get on the waiting list if you’d like to file with me this year.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Content Creators

While not all Bloggers or Content Creators need an EIN, those who hire employees or operate as an LLC may require one.

An LLC can offer liability protection but comes with additional costs. Consider your business structure carefully to optimize your tax situation.

12 Tax Tips for Bloggers and Online Influencers

  1. Remember tax deductions for bloggers have to be items related to your business
  2. Keep track of receipts
  3. Create a separate bank account for business only
  4. Use excel spreadsheet for bookkeeping or a software which will make your life easier once tax season comes
  5. Take a percentage out of each sale/payment to save for taxes
  6. Remember that if you make money from your blog, then you have to report it (Profit vs Loss)
  7. Talk to a professional tax advisor or you can chat with me if you have a question
  8. Print your tax checklist: the list will help keep you organized and help you not miss any possible deductions
  9. Save finalized tax report from (e.g. Form 1040) previous years in a file area easy to locate
  10. Start early and prepare throughout the previous year (trust us it will save you a lot of pain)
  11. Stay current on new tax laws and breaks especially if they affect you directly
  12. Remember that overlooked deductions mean you put less money into your wallet, and you may end up paying too much in taxes

File Your Taxes with Ease from Home Today with TurboTax!

My Last Thought on Tax Deductions for Bloggers and Content Creators

Don’t worry, you got this!

Plus, I’m here to help answer any questions you may have along the way. Now go out there and conquer the world with your awesome blog business and influence.

Hope this tax deduction checklist helps you navigate through the sometimes-muddy waters of the income tax season.

Remember to keep track of your receipts and if there’s a question about any possible deduction be sure to contact me.

The Handy Tax Guy Handy Metellus profile picture.
Ready to conquer your taxes this year? Make an appointment with one of our Team Members TODAY!

I definitely do not want you to miss out on any deductions. Overlooked deductions mean you put less money into your own pocket and you may end up paying too much in taxes.

For more money-saving tips and guides, subscribe to the weekly newsletter!

Tax tips and tax deductions for bloggers. #taxtips
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What are some of your best tax tips for your business? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

Get started on your taxes early TODAY!

Until the next money adventure, take care!

The Handy Tax Guy Tax Service

Disclaimer Statement: All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Handy Tax Guy makes no absolute representation of the correctness, mistakes, omissions, delays, appropriateness, or legitimacy of any information on this site. **Note: Each client circumstance will vary on a case-by-case basis**

(Original Article Written in 2016/Updated on January 23, 2025)

Nikida Metellus

Nikida Metellus is a financial freedom advocate, author, and the reimagined voice behind ThemeParkHipster.com, now focused on helping you achieve a debt-free life and financial success. Based in Orlando, Florida, she combines her love for theme parks with actionable financial strategies, offering a unique perspective on balancing fun and finances. As the author of Complete Tax Planning Guide, she has now expanded her expertise to guide you on the road to financial freedom. Co-founder of Bramework and a coffee enthusiast at heart, Nikida is committed to empowering you with practical tips and insights to manage your money wisely. When she's not blogging or exploring Florida's attractions, she enjoys quality time with her husband and two daughters. Welcome to your journey toward a financially free life!

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