Tax season shows up every year like an uninvited guest and somehow still catches all of us off guard.
If you are a photographer or creative business owner, chances are no one ever actually taught you how the business side of this works. You learned how to shoot, edit, market, book clients, and survive wedding days on caffeine and vibes, but taxes were very much a learn it as you go situation.
This blog is here to help with that.
Before we go any further, I need to say this very loudly and very clearly.
I am not a CPA. I am not an accountant. I am not the IRS. I do not work for the government. This is not financial advice whatsoever. This is educational information based on experience and research. If you go to jail for a white collar crime, tax fraud, or anything involving handcuffs and a jumpsuit, that is absolutely not my fault. Please do not cite this blog in court. MMMKAY!
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk taxes.
Why Waiting Until Tax Season Is a Terrible Idea
One of the biggest mistakes photographers make is waiting until March or April to look at their finances. At that point, you are staring at your bank statements trying to remember why you spent $483 at Best Buy and whether that Amazon charge was camera gear or something you panic bought at 2 a.m. Clearly, I have learned this the hard way.
This is stressful. This is also how deductions get missed!
Staying organized throughout the year does not have to be complicated. A spreadsheet. Bookkeeping software. A separate business account, ALWAYS. Anything is better than trying to reconstruct your entire year from memory while crying into a coffee.
What Photographers Can Typically Deduct
If it helps you run your business, there is a decent chance it may be deductible.
Camera bodies, lenses, film, memory cards, batteries, hard drives, and cloud backups are usually business expenses. Editing software, gallery delivery platforms, client management systems, website hosting, email marketing tools, and design subscriptions typically count too.
Basically, if your business would fall apart without it, it is worth asking about.
If you want this straight from the IRS instead of a ADHD photographer on the internet, you can read about business expense deductions here:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/deducting-business-expenses
Education is another one people forget. Workshops, courses, online classes, mentoring, and certain subscriptions used to grow your skills or business may qualify.
If it helps you become a better photographer or business owner, it is probably worth mentioning to your CPA.
The Home Office Question Everyone Is Afraid Of
Yes, the home office deduction exists. No, your couch does not count.
If you work from home, you may be eligible to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and internet. The key word here is exclusively.
That means a dedicated space used only for business. Not the kitchen table. Not the bed. Not the couch you edit on while watching Netflix and folding laundry.
The IRS explains the home office rules here in plain language:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/home-office-deduction
This is one of those areas where having a CPA is worth every penny because you want it done correctly.
Mileage Is a Big One People Forget
If you drive to sessions, weddings, meetings, consults, or even to ship albums or prints, that mileage may count!
The problem is no one remembers to track it.
Trying to recreate your mileage for the entire year at tax time is a nightmare and also wildly inaccurate. Tracking it as you go makes life significantly easier. There are apps for this or you can keep a simple log.
The IRS mileage rates and rules live here:
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates
Meals and Travel
If you are traveling for work, some meals may be partially deductible. This includes destination weddings, out of town sessions, and business related travel.
This does not mean every coffee you buy counts, unfortunately. The rules matter here, so this is another great thing to confirm with a professional instead of guessing and hoping for the best.
Setting Aside Money So You Are Not Panicking Later
When you are self employed, no one is withholding taxes for you. That means the money hitting your account is not all spendable money.
A very common mistake photographers make is spending everything as it comes in and then acting shocked when taxes are due.
Setting aside a percentage of each payment into a separate account can save you from a very rude awakening later. Even if it is not perfect, it is significantly better than nothing. I personally set aside around 40% so I can pay my taxes in full and then pay myself the rest.
The IRS has a full tax center for self employed individuals here:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center
Treating Your Photography Like a Real Business Matters
Photography is not just taking pretty photos. It is running a business. Treating it like one protects you, saves you money, and reduces stress.
The more organized you are throughout the year, the less terrifying tax season becomes. Your future self will thank you. Probably with less panic and fewer tears.
Your creativity deserves a business structure that supports it instead of sabotaging it.
And truly, if there is one takeaway from this entire blog, it is this. Hire a CPA. One who understands small businesses. Best money you will ever spend! I AM TELLING YOU!
Love, K
