Can Travel Bloggers Deduct Travel Expenses?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


A taxpayer can deduct travel anytime you are traveling away from home

but depending on where you work the IRS definition of “home” can get complicated. Your tax home is often — but not always — where you live with your family (what the IRS calls your “family home”).

What can I write-off as a blogger?

  1. Office supplies.
  2. Home office.
  3. Writing conferences and seminars.
  4. Job-related travel expenses.
  5. Books, online resources, and subscriptions.
  6. Advertising/marketing.
  7. Website fees.
  8. Software.

Can you write-off travel expenses if you have a travel blog?

If you're a travel blogger,

you may be able to deduct the cost of travel-related expenses

. That includes transportation and accommodations at destinations that are the subject of your blog content.

How do you write-off expenses as an influencer?

  1. Theme costs.
  2. Domain name cost.
  3. Hosting fees.
  4. Plugins cost.
  5. The costs of any images you use.

What travel expenses can I claim?

  • public transport costs.
  • hotel accommodation if you have to stay overnight.
  • food and drink.
  • congestion charges and tolls.
  • parking fees.
  • business phone calls and printing costs.

What kind of travel expenses are tax deductible?

  • Plane, train, and bus tickets between your home and your business destination.
  • Baggage fees.
  • Laundry and dry cleaning during your trip.
  • Rental car costs.
  • Hotel and Airbnb costs.
  • 50% of eligible business meals.
  • 50% of meals while traveling to and from your destination.

Can you write off luggage as a business expense?


If the luggage is used solely for business travel you can deduct the purchase as a business expense

. The expense can be correctly entered under either travel or miscellaneous expenses. If the luggage is more than $2500, it would be considered an asset and need to be depreciated.

Can you write off food for a blog?

Food that you eat at home is generally not deductible as a business expense. You have to have food to live, which makes it a personal expense. But

to the extent that the food that you're making and trying is for business use, it would be deductible, so long as you can distinguish the personal and business pieces

.

Can influencers write off vacations?


Travel expenses like transportation and lodging can be considered essential for an influencer, which makes them a tax write-off

. Prizes used in giveaways, charitable donations and meals eaten while discussing work can also be written off as business expenses.

Can a blog be a tax write off?

The IRS will categorize your blog as either a business or hobby.

If your blog is a hobby, then you cannot claim any tax deductions

. In order to be seen as a business you must have a profit in at least three of the most recent five tax years.

Is blogging considered self-employment?

Self-employment tax

From the perspective of the IRS, working as a blogger means you run your own business. Even if you only work part-time as a blogger and full-time as a salaried employee somewhere else,

the blogging part of your income qualifies as self-employment income

.

Do influencers pay tax on gifts?

It's important for influencers to track the gifts they receive and their value. According to Li, “

Generally, yes, the tax authority considers your gifts a part of the income of your business, and they must be included in your filing

.”

Do influencers pay taxes?


Absolutely!

If social media influencers live in a state that charges taxes, or if they are incorporated as a legal business entity in a state that has taxes as well, they are going to be on the hook for both state and federal taxes.

How much do influencers get taxed?

The 1099-NEC tax form is issued for every influencer who works and receives a payment above $600.

Payment below $600 is filed as 1040 income tax

. Influencers or bloggers must also pay tax on products they review, except when the value is below $100.

How much travel expenses can I claim without receipts?

Work-related expenses refer to car expenses, travel, clothing, phone calls, union fees, training, conferences and books. So really anything you spend for work can be claimed back,

up to $300

without having to show any receipts.

Do I need to declare travel expenses?


You must report your employees' travel to HM Revenue and Customs (unless it's exempt)

. You may have to deduct or pay tax and National Insurance on it.

How many kilometers can you claim without a log book?

Car expenses

Unlike the logbook method, the cents per kilometre method allows you to claim a maximum of

5,000 business kilometres per vehicle

without written evidence. Although you do not need written evidence, the ATO may still ask you to show how you worked out your business kilometres.

Can influencers write off clothes?

Clothing, Accessories, and Beauty Products


Pretty much anything and everything used for a review or used as a “custom” or “uniform” as an influencer can also be expensed

, including things sent to you from partners or third-party vendors.

Do I need to register my blog as a business?


Most bloggers do not need to obtain a federal license to do business, but most states do require bloggers to have a general business license

. Sales Tax Permit: If you are selling goods or services on your blog, you may need to get a sales tax license or permit.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.