Digital economy · Creator
Creator expense deductions: what you can claim as a business
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Facts
As a creator with business income, you can deduct all expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business. This includes much more than most creators realise:
Provisions and law
- IT Act, Sec 34 (old 37
- general business deductions) | Sec 30-36
Analysis
Fully deductible: Camera, lighting, microphone equipment (depreciation). Editing software subscriptions (Adobe, Premiere Pro). Studio rent or home office proportionate rent. Internet and phone bills (proportionate business use). Travel for brand shoots. Makeup/clothing specifically for shoots. Employee/editor salary. Prop purchases used in content.
Conclusion
- Equipment: All cameras, lenses, lights, mics, tripods, drones, depreciation at 15%
- Software: Adobe CC, Canva Pro, scheduling tools, analytics tools, 100% deductible
- Internet: Monthly broadband, 50-100% depending on business use proportion
- Phone: Smartphone and plan, proportionate business use
- Studio: Rented studio time, or home office, 20-30% of home rent if dedicated space
- Travel: Any travel for shoots, brand events, conferences
A Savvy can do this for you
Influencer and content creator money map: brand deals, barter under Sec 393 (old 194R), YouTube foreign income, GST
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