Can I deduct Netflix or Disney+ subscriptions?

Only the business-use portion, and only if you have a legitimate business reason (researching content trends, analyzing competitor programming, or creating review content about the platform's shows). A general subscription you also watch personally is at best partially deductible. Be conservative and document the business purpose.

Are haircuts and grooming deductible for on-camera creators?

Generally no. Grooming expenses are considered personal expenses by the IRS, even for on-camera talent. The only exception might be specialized hair/makeup for character roles that is not suitable for everyday wear. Regular haircuts, even if you are on camera, are not deductible.

Can I deduct gym memberships as a fitness content creator?

This is a gray area. A gym membership used primarily for personal fitness is not deductible. However, if you film all your content at the gym and it is essential to your business operation, you have a stronger argument for a partial or full deduction. Document the business use thoroughly and consult a CPA.

How do I deduct a large equipment purchase made in December?

Using Section 179, you deduct the full cost in the year of purchase as long as you place the equipment in service (start using it for business) before December 31. Buying a camera on December 28 and using it for a shoot on December 30 qualifies for the full deduction that tax year.

Guide

Tax Write-OffsContent Creator2026DeductionsUSA

25 Tax Write-Offs Content Creators Miss in 2026

The average US content creator misses $3,000-$8,000 in legitimate tax deductions every year, according to tax professionals who specialize in creator businesses. At a combined 30-40% tax rate, that is $900-$3,200 in unnecessary taxes. Here are 25 deductions that creators commonly overlook.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide

Audit your current deductions against this list

Compare the 25 write-offs listed here against what you claimed last year. Identify any categories you missed entirely.

Set up tracking for missed categories

Add new expense categories in your bookkeeping software for any deductions you have been missing. Start tracking them immediately.

Review subscriptions and recurring payments

Audit your credit card and bank statements for recurring business subscriptions you forgot to categorize as deductions.

Amend prior year returns if applicable

If you missed significant deductions in prior years, you can file Form 1040-X to amend returns from the last 3 years and claim refunds.

Implement a receipt capture system

Use your bookkeeping app's receipt scanning feature to photograph every business purchase immediately. This prevents lost deductions.

Overlooked technology and tool deductions

1. Cloud storage upgrades — iCloud, Google One, Dropbox paid plans used for storing and transferring video files.

2. Second monitor — An external monitor used for editing timelines, reference footage, or chat monitoring during livestreams.

3. Ergonomic equipment — Standing desk, ergonomic chair, wrist rests, and blue light glasses purchased for your editing workspace. These are ordinary and necessary business expenses if you spend hours editing.

4. Backup drives and NAS systems — External hard drives, SSD drives, and network-attached storage used for video backup and archival.

5. VPN subscriptions — If you use a VPN for business purposes (accessing geo-restricted content for research, secure connections while traveling).

6. AI tool subscriptions — ChatGPT, Midjourney, FluxNote, and other AI tools used for scripting, thumbnail generation, video creation, and research.

7. Music licensing services — Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Musicbed annual subscriptions for royalty-free music in your content.

8. Stock footage and image subscriptions — Shutterstock, Getty, Adobe Stock, Storyblocks subscriptions.

9. Website and hosting costs — Domain registration, web hosting, WordPress themes, and plugins for your creator website or portfolio.

Overlooked professional and education deductions

10. CPA and tax preparation fees — The cost of having a professional prepare your taxes is itself a deductible business expense on Schedule C.

11. Legal fees — Contract review, trademark filing, LLC formation, and legal consultations related to your content business.

12. Online courses and masterclasses — Skillshare, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and other courses related to video production, marketing, business, or your content niche.

13. Books and audiobooks — Business, marketing, and niche-related books. An audiobook about video storytelling or a book about your content niche is deductible.

14. Industry conference fees — Not just VidCon — any conference, workshop, or event related to your business (marketing conferences, niche-specific events, creator meetups).

15. Professional membership dues — Creator union memberships, SAG-AFTRA (if applicable), local business association dues, Chamber of Commerce membership.

16. Coaching and consulting — Business coaching, YouTube strategy consulting, or mentorship programs paid for professional development.

17. Self-employed health insurance premiums — Deductible on Form 1040 (above the line, not Schedule C). Includes medical, dental, and vision premiums for yourself, your spouse, and dependents.

18. Retirement plan contributions — SEP IRA (up to 25% of net SE earnings, max ~$69,000), Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA. Reduces income tax (not SE tax) but significantly lowers your total tax bill.

Overlooked operational and lifestyle deductions

19. Business portion of phone bill — If you use your phone 60% for business (emails, social media management, filming, calls with sponsors), deduct 60% of the annual cost.

20. Business bank and payment processing fees — Monthly bank fees, PayPal fees, Stripe fees, wire transfer fees, and credit card processing fees on business transactions.

21. Shipping and postage — Shipping costs for products received for review, merchandise fulfillment, mailing contracts, or sending equipment to a filming location.

22. Props, sets, and backgrounds — Items purchased specifically for use in your content. Backdrops, props, decorative items for your studio setup.

23. Business gifts — Gifts to clients, sponsors, or collaborators up to $25 per person per year. Holiday gifts to your editor or designer, thank-you gifts to sponsors.

24. Parking and tolls — Parking fees and tolls incurred during business travel or trips to business meetings, filming locations, or the post office for business mailings.

25. Self-employment tax deduction — The deductible half (50%) of your self-employment tax. This is technically automatic when you file, but many DIY filers forget to claim it on Schedule 1, resulting in higher income tax.

Total potential savings example:
A creator who claims all 25 applicable deductions might find $5,000-$12,000 in additional write-offs. At a 35% combined tax rate, that is $1,750-$4,200 back in your pocket.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not tax advice. Every deduction must be ordinary, necessary, and properly documented for your specific business. Consult a CPA.

Pro Tips

The self-employment tax deduction (50% of SE tax) is one of the most commonly missed because it is on Schedule 1, not Schedule C — tax software usually calculates it automatically but verify
Business-use percentages for phone and internet should be reasonable and documented — claiming 100% when you clearly use them personally is an audit risk
Amending past returns (Form 1040-X) for missed deductions can recover thousands — you have 3 years from the filing date
The $25 per person limit on business gifts is strict — keeping a log of recipients and amounts prevents accidentally exceeding it
Retirement contributions (SEP IRA, Solo 401(k)) are the single largest tax reduction strategy most creators ignore — a $20,000 SEP IRA contribution at the 24% bracket saves $4,800 in income tax