Content Creator & Influencer Taxes in Nebraska

Who Is Defined as a Content Creator or Influencer

What You Can Deduct as a Content Creator

Common Deductions

Nebraska Tax Considerations for Online Creators

What I Do for Creators

Common Situations I Handle

How The Tax Preparation Process Works

Get Your Creator Taxes Done Right

FAQ

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

Can I deduct my camera, phone, and computer?

What about free products and brand deals?

Do I owe quarterly taxes as a creator?

Can I deduct part of my home if I film there?

Content Creator & Influencer Taxes in Nebraska

(YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Podcast & Online Income)

By Ben Vanness, CPA (ben@benvannesscpa.com)

If you make money online from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, podcasts, digital products, or sponsorships, your taxes are more complicated than a normal W-2 job.

Ad revenue, brand deals, affiliate income, and digital sales are all taxed differently, and most creators overpay thousands because they don't know what they can deduct or how to report income properly.

I help Nebraska content creators file accurate, tax-optimized returns so they keep more of what they earn and stay IRS-compliant.

Who Is Defined as a Content Creator or Influencer

This article is for:

YouTubers & streamers
TikTok & Instagram creators
Podcasters
Course & digital product sellers
Substack & newsletter writers
Coaches & online educators
Subscription creators

If you earn money online and receive 1099s, Stripe, PayPal, or platform payouts, this applies to you.

Why Creator Taxes Are Different

Content creators deal with:

Multiple income streams
1099-NEC & 1099-K forms
Sponsorship payments
Affiliate revenue
International platforms
Digital product sales
Business expenses

Most platforms do not withhold taxes, so if you don't plan accordingly, you can get hit with a large tax bill.

What You Can Deduct as a Content Creator

Common Deductions

Camera, lighting, and microphones
Computer & phone expenses
Editing software
Internet expense
Home studio items
Travel expenses for content
Props and costumes
Marketing and ads
Website & hosting expenses

Properly tracking and classifying these expenses can save you thousands.

Nebraska Tax Considerations for Online Creators

Nebraska residents owe:

Federal income tax
Self-employment tax
Nebraska income tax

If you earn income from out-of-state companies or global platforms, the reporting still matters, especially if you sell digital products or courses.

Tip: Content creators and influencers can utilize self-employment retirement plans like a Solo 401(k), SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement), and Traditional/Roth IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) for tax-advantaged savings to maximize savings and minimize taxes, all while saving for retirement.

What I Do for Creators

When I prepare your return, I:

Identify every income stream
Reconcile all platform payouts
Deduct every legitimate expense
Handle self-employment tax
Prepare an audit-ready Schedule C
File your federal and Nebraska return

All done securetly, 100% online

I'm based in Lincoln, Nebraska, but work with creators statewide.

Common Situations I Handle

First-year creators
Side hustle creators
Full-time YouTubers
TikTok and Instagram sponsorships
Digital product sales
Mixed W-2 + creator income
Creators with no bookkeeping

How The Tax Preparation Process Works

You fill out a short online form here
You will receive an email to upload your documents securely and pay
I review everything personally
I prepare and file your return
You get a clear explanation and support

I work 100% remotely, but I'm based right here in Lincoln, Nebraska, so you get both convenience and local expertise.

Get Your Creator Taxes Done Right

If you earn money online, your taxes deserve more than software.

Start here to schedule your tax preparation or submit your info. Or send me an email at ben@benvannesscpa.com.

FAQ

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

Yes. All income from content creation and influencing is taxable, even if YouTube, TikTok, Stripe, or a brand did not send you a 1099. The IRS receives payment data directly from many platforms, so it's important to report everything correctly to avoid penalties or audits.

Can I deduct my camera, phone, and computer?

Yes, as long as they are used for your content business. Cameras, lighting, microphones, phones, computers, and editing equipment can usually be deducted or depreciated, which can significantly reduce your taxable income.

What about free products and brand deals?

Free products, gifted items, and paid brand partnerships are taxable income. Many creators don't realize this and get surprised later. I make sure these are reported properly while still maximizing your deductions.

Do I owe quarterly taxes as a creator?

Usually yes. If you're making money as a creator and no taxes are being withheld, the IRS expects you to make quarterly estimated tax payments. I can help calculate these, so you don't get hit with penalties.

Can I deduct part of my home if I film there?

If you use part of your home regularly and exclusively as a filming, editing, or office space, you may qualify for the home office deduction, which can save you hundreds or thousands per year.

Start here to schedule your tax preparation or submit your info.