What this log does
Business expenses lower the profit you pay tax on. This log lets creators record each expense under the matching line of Schedule C, the IRS form where self-employed people report business income and costs. It applies the share of business use for things you also use privately, counts business meals at 50%, totals everything by Schedule C line and by month, lets you download a spreadsheet (CSV) and sends the yearly deductible total to the creator tax calculator.
How the deductible amount is worked out
Deductible amount = amount × business use share, and × 50% for business meals. For example, $80 of business meals counts as $40, and a $200 item used half for the channel counts as $100.
The Schedule C lines creators use most
- Line 8, advertising: promoting your channel or products.
- Line 11, contract labor: editors, designers and other freelancers you pay.
- Line 13, depreciation and section 179: cameras, computers and other gear that lasts more than a year, claimed with Form 4562.
- Line 18, office expense, and line 22, supplies: small items used up in the work, such as props.
- Lines 24a and 24b, travel and meals: business travel away from home, and business meals at 50%.
- Line 27b, other expenses: costs that fit no other line, listed in Part V of the form.
- Line 30, business use of home: a home office used regularly and only for the business, with its own rules.
Rules to keep in mind
The IRS allows expenses that are ordinary and necessary for your business; personal costs are not deductible. Keep receipts and statements that show what you paid and why. For a car you use either the standard mileage rate or actual costs. This log is a record-keeping aid, not a tax return, and it does not check every limit; it is general information, not tax advice.
Private by design
Entries are saved only in this browser on this device and never sent to CentDaily or anyone else. Download the CSV as a backup, because clearing browser data deletes the log.
Frequently asked questions
What can creators deduct?
Costs that are ordinary and necessary for your channel or business, such as editing software, equipment, props, advertising, contractors and business travel. Personal costs and the personal share of mixed-use items are not deductible.
Can I deduct my phone and internet?
The business share of them, if you use them for your work. Enter the business use percentage and the log counts only that part.
Why are meals counted at half?
The IRS instructions for Schedule C say that in most cases you can deduct only 50% of business meal costs.
Should I put a new camera under supplies?
Equipment that lasts more than a year is usually deducted as depreciation or under section 179 on line 13 with Form 4562. Check the IRS instructions or a tax professional for your case.