Deductible Expenses for Influencers: Maximising Your Tax Deductions

Tax-Deductible Expenses for Influencers: Don’t Miss These Key Claims

If you're constantly creating content, travelling for partnerships, and maintaining a polished online presence, you’re likely racking up expenses. The good news? Many of these costs are tax-deductible, potentially saving you thousands at tax time.

Here’s our expert guide to the most common (and some surprising) deductions for influencers, plus how to properly claim them.

What You Can Claim as an Influencer

1. Home Office Expenses

If you film, edit, or manage your content from home, you may be entitled to claim:

• A portion of your rent or mortgage interest

• Utilities (electricity, gas, water)

• Internet and phone usage

• Office furniture and décor used exclusively for your workspace

2. Equipment and Supplies

From ring lights to high-end cameras, equipment used in your content production is deductible.

• Cameras, microphones, laptops

• Tripods, lighting kits, drones

• Editing software subscriptions (like Adobe or Canva Pro)

• Props and backdrops

3. Content Creation Costs

These include any tools or materials used to produce your content.

• Subscription services (music libraries, stock images)

• Editing software

• Outsourced services like video editing or graphic design

4. Travel for Business

If you travel for brand deals, shoots, or events, you may claim:

• Flights, trains, taxis, car hire

• Hotel or Airbnb stays

• Business meals

• Parking and tolls

• Vehicle expenses if you drive (tracked via a logbook)

5. Marketing and Advertising

Spending money to grow your platform or brand is deductible:

• Paid social ads

• Influencer collaborations

• Website hosting and domain fees

• Paid design and branding services

6. Professional Services

These are essential if you want to remain compliant:

• Tax agent or accountant fees

• Legal consultation fees for contracts or IP protection

• Bookkeeping services

How to Claim Travel, Equipment and Content Costs

Content Creation

Keep every receipt for subscriptions, materials, and software. Ensure they’re directly linked to your business activities and not personal use.

Travel

Record the business purpose of each trip. Use apps or spreadsheets to track:

• Dates, destinations, and purpose

• Travel method (with receipts)

• Accommodation costs

• Meals and incidentals (when reasonable)

Equipment

Items under the instant asset write-off threshold can be claimed immediately. Higher-cost items may need to be depreciated over time. Document:

• Purchase date

• Cost and receipt

• Usage log (especially if also used personally)

Less Obvious Deductions Influencers Often Miss

Clothing and Makeup

Only claim items that are purchased exclusively for shoots or content—not general wear.

Giveaways and Gifts

Promotional gifts and prize items for followers can be claimed as marketing expenses.

Phone and Internet

If you use your phone or home Wi-Fi for business, you can claim a percentage of the cost. Keep usage logs to justify the business proportion.

Courses and Conferences

Attending an influencer workshop, business seminar, or digital marketing course? Fees, travel, and accommodation may all be deductible.

Insurance

Cover like equipment insurance or public liability (for photoshoots or events) may be deductible if related to your influencer business.

Final Thoughts

Being an influencer means running a business, even if it’s a creative one. Understanding your deductible expenses and keeping excellent records is key to reducing your tax bill and staying on the right side of the ATO.

If you're feeling unsure, reach out to a tax advisor who understands your industry. At Dolman Bateman, we specialise in tax for influencers, and we’re here to help you maximise every dollar.

Call us on 02 9411 5422 for a personalised consultation.

Meeting with Arnold Shields

30

Book Now

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decisions.