Travel Write-Offs for Content Creators

For a lot of content creators, travel isn’t just about the experience…it’s work. Being on the go is part of the job; whether it’s for brand partnerships, collaborations, or capturing new content.

The good news is that many travel-related expenses can be written off as business deductions which will reduce your taxable income and help you keep more of what you earn! Understanding which expenses qualify can make a big difference when tax season arrives.

Flights, Trains, and Other Transportation

If you travel for content-related purposes, the cost of getting to your destination is deductible. This includes airfare, train tickets, rental cars, parking fees, and even ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. Public transportation fares count as well, provided the trip is work-related.

When renting a car, only the portion of the rental used for business qualifies. If you use it for personal outings, the costs must be divided accordingly. Keeping a mileage log or tracking business-related trips will help ensure accurate deductions. Lots of creators use apps like MileIQ to track their mileage and split it between personal and work easily.

Accommodations and Lodging

Hotel stays, Airbnb rentals, and even short-term vacation properties can be written off if they are necessary for business purposes. If part of the trip includes personal time, only the portion dedicated to work can be deducted.

For example, if you attend a brand event for three days but extend your stay for a weeklong vacation, you can only claim expenses for the work-related portion. Detailed records, such as itineraries and booking confirmations, will help clarify business versus personal costs.

Meals and Dining Expenses

While traveling for work, meals can be partially deducted. The IRS allows for a 50 percent deduction on business-related meals, including client meetings, networking events, or meals during work trips. Keeping receipts and noting who you dined with and the purpose of the meal is important.

Some content creators use meal expenses to review restaurants or showcase food experiences in their content, which can further justify these deductions.

Event and Conference Fees

If you attend a creator summit, business workshop, or industry conference, registration fees and related costs are deductible. This includes ticket prices, workshop fees, and any materials purchased for the event.

Networking events, meet-and-greets, or paid brand experiences also qualify if they contribute to business growth. When these events involve travel, you can usually write off associated expenses such as transportation and lodging.

Gear and Equipment Used for Travel Content

If you invest in specific equipment to enhance your travel content, that can usually be written off. Cameras, tripods, microphones, and drones used for filming can be deducted as business expenses.

If additional gear is required for a particular trip, such as waterproof equipment for underwater shoots or stabilizers for on-the-go vlogging, these costs also qualify – so take advantage of upgrading your equipment in order to make the best possible content! Subscriptions to editing software or cloud storage for travel footage can be included in business write-offs as well.

If you’re using the technology for both business and personal projects, be sure to keep track of how much time you spend on each type of project. 

International Travel Considerations

Traveling outside the country introduces additional expenses such as visa fees, travel insurance, and international phone plans. If the trip is business-related, these costs can be deducted. However, international travel may be subject to stricter IRS guidelines, so keep solid documentation that proves the trip’s business purpose.

Combining business with leisure is common when traveling internationally. If at least 75 percent of the trip is for business, many of the related expenses can still qualify as deductions. Keep a clear itinerary and track work-related activities to make your life easier at tax time.

Promotional Travel and Sponsored Trips

Some creators receive fully or partially sponsored travel from brands, tourism boards, or event organizers. If a trip is paid for, those expenses cannot be deducted. In fact, those trips may be considered taxable income. However, out-of-pocket costs such as additional meals, equipment, or extended stays beyond the sponsorship may still be eligible. (psst…for more info. on whether or not you have to pay taxes on brand trips, book a call with us so we can dive into specifics!) 

When a brand covers only part of the expenses, the portion paid by the creator can often be deducted. If content requirements involve specific purchases, such as wardrobe or paid experiences, these also count as business expenses.

Conclusion

Understanding travel write-offs allows you to maximize deductions and reduce your overall tax burden. Just keep accurate records and ensure each trip serves a clear business purpose. Using a business credit card for all travel-related purchases simplifies expense tracking. Digital tools like accounting software (we love Quickbooks!) or receipt-scanning apps can also help keep everything organized.

Need more advice on how to maximize travel write-offs for content creators and other business expenses? Book a call with our team and we’ll ensure that you don’t leave money on the table by forgetting a deduction.