📹 Content Creator / Influencer Tax Deductions Australia
YouTubers, TikTokers & Online Creators — your complete 2026 ATO guide.
Last updated: May 2026
Content creation went from 'side hustle' to 'full-time career' so fast that the ATO is still catching up — and so are creators. If you earn money from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, podcasting, brand deals or affiliate links, you're running a business. That means you can claim almost every expense you incur producing your content — but you need to play by the same rules as any other small business.
The 3 ATO golden rules
To claim a work-related deduction, you must meet all three:
- You paid for it personally and weren't reimbursed.
- The expense directly relates to earning your income.
- You have a record (usually a receipt).
✅ Fully deductible 13 items
Cameras, lenses and microphones
Equipment used for content creation is deductible; items over $300 are depreciated.
Lighting and tripods
Lighting equipment used for filming is deductible.
Editing software (Adobe, Final Cut, DaVinci)
Editing software subscriptions are deductible.
Cloud storage and backup
Cloud storage for work files is deductible.
Stock music and asset subscriptions
Subscriptions to royalty-free music or stock assets are deductible.
Website hosting and domain
Hosting and domain costs for your content business are deductible.
Props purchased for content (work-only)
Props used exclusively in content production are deductible (items also used personally are not).
Course fees (current career)
Self-funded training that improves your content creation skills is deductible.
Marketing and ads (your own brand)
Paid marketing for your channel/account is deductible.
ABN registration costs
Costs to set up and maintain your ABN are deductible.
Bookkeeping and tax software
Software you use to track income and expenses is deductible.
Tax agent fees (last year)
Tax agent fees paid last year are deductible on this year's return.
Talent agent or manager commissions
Commissions paid to agents/managers on your content income are deductible.
⚠️ Partially deductible 5 items
These costs are split between work and private use. You can only claim the work-use percentage — keep a 4-week diary or 12-week logbook.
Mobile phone (work-related use)
Work-related calls, messages and data are deductible at the work-use percentage based on a 4-week log.
Home internet (work-related use)
The work-related proportion of your home internet is deductible based on usage records.
Laptop or computer (work use)
The work-related percentage of a personal laptop used for work is deductible; items over $300 are depreciated.
Travel for content (work-only portion)
Travel with a clear business purpose may be partly deductible — strict ATO substantiation applies.
Home office running costs
Electricity, gas, and depreciation of office furniture used for work are deductible (70c/hr fixed rate or actual cost method).
❌ Not deductible 2 items
Common audit traps. Claiming these can trigger ATO review and penalties.
Personal grooming and haircuts
Personal grooming is private in nature and not deductible (limited exceptions for some performers).
General clothing (non-uniform)
Conventional clothing worn to work is not deductible, even if your employer requires it.
Need help lodging your return?
ALI Tax's qualified agents handle returns Australia-wide. Average refund: $2,847.
Get started with ALI Tax →Frequently asked questions
What's the simplest way to track content creator / influencer deductions during the year?
Keep a separate folder or app (like Receipt Bank or your phone's notes) and capture every work-related receipt as you spend. The 'shoebox approach' costs most content creator / influencers thousands in lost refunds each year.
Can I claim something my employer reimbursed?
No. If you've been reimbursed (or it was salary-packaged), you can't claim a deduction for it as well.
Do I need receipts for everything?
You need a receipt or written record for any deduction. For laundry up to $150 and small expenses up to $300 in total, you can use the ATO simplified methods without keeping every receipt.
What's the difference between deductible and partial?
Fully deductible means you can claim 100% of the cost. Partial means it's split between work and private use — you can only claim the work-use percentage based on a diary or logbook.
How long do I need to keep my receipts?
Five years from the date you lodge your tax return. The ATO can ask for records anytime in that window.