Creative & Freelance

Tax help for videographers

Shoot fees and editing projects are self-employment income, and your cameras, drones, and travel are deductible.

Prepared by real tax specialists — with Enrolled Agent or CPA review when your return calls for it.

Videographers report on Schedule C, billing for weddings, events, commercial shoots, and editing work from agencies and direct clients.

The cameras, lenses, drones, and travel that each project requires are ordinary business expenses, and high-value gear is often depreciated over time.

Income you’ll report on: 1099-NEC, 1099-K.

Save money

Deductions for videographers

Most people in this line of work leave money on the table. Here's what we make sure to capture:

  • Cameras, lenses, gimbals, and drones
  • Lighting, audio gear, and stabilizers
  • Editing software and stock-media subscriptions
  • Storage drives and computers for footage
  • Mileage and travel to shoots
  • Second shooters and assistant payments
  • Equipment insurance and repairs
Watch out for

What makes your taxes different

  • Major camera and drone purchases may be depreciated rather than fully deducted in one year
  • Marketplace or app-based client income may arrive on a 1099-K
  • Drone use for paid work may require an FAA remote pilot certificate, the cost of which can be deductible
  • Travel deductions require the trip to have a clear business purpose
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do videographers pay self-employment tax?

If you earn as an independent contractor, yes — self-employment tax is 15.3% (Social Security and Medicare) on your net profit, on top of regular income tax. You deduct half of it, and every business deduction lowers what you owe. We handle the calculation on Schedule SE.

What can videographers write off?

Common write-offs include cameras, lenses, gimbals, and drones, lighting, audio gear, and stabilizers, editing software and stock-media subscriptions, storage drives and computers for footage, plus a share of your phone and any home-office use. We go through your year line by line so nothing legitimate gets missed.

Do videographers need to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS generally wants quarterly estimated payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. We calculate them so next April isn't a surprise.

Do I have to report income if I didn't get a 1099?

Yes. Your income is taxable whether or not a client or platform sent a 1099. We report it correctly and offset it with every deduction you qualify for.

Taxes handled · so you can get back to work.

Tell us what you've got and we'll come back within one business day with the plan and the price · from a preparer who knows your line of work.

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