As a photographer, getting paid for your work is exciting—but do you know what income the IRS expects you to report? Understanding taxable income is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding tax season surprises. In my latest YouTube video, Taxable Income Explained, I break down exactly what counts (and what doesn’t) so you can keep your records clean and stress-free.
What Counts as Taxable Income?
Most money coming into your photography business is taxable, including:
📸 Session fees – Any payment from clients for shoots or weddings.
🖼 Print & product sales – Albums, digitals, and other deliverables count.
🎬 Second shooting gigs – Even if you’re paid in cash, it’s taxable!
💰 Retainers & deposits – Yes, even non-refundable ones.
🎁 Tips & brand deals – Extra cash from happy clients or partnerships must be reported.
What Doesn’t Count?
Not everything is taxable. Refunds, personal gifts, and loans aren’t considered income. But be careful—platforms like PayPal or Venmo may report transactions, so it’s important to track them properly.
Don’t Make These Common Mistakes!
Many photographers assume cash payments don’t count or forget to report barter work—big mistakes that could cost you. In the video, I’ll explain how to track your income the right way to avoid IRS issues.
📌 Watch the full video now, click the image below, to get Taxable Income Explained and make tax season way less stressful! Plus, don’t forget to grab my free masterclass on maximizing your tax deductions (link below).
XOXO – Heather
Few things make me more excited than getting the chance to help another photographer prepare for an easier tax season (and keep more of their hard-earned income! So, don’t forget to sign up for my free class — Maximizing Your Tax Deductions as a Photographer.
Give me an hour of your time, and I can show you:
➡️How to reduce your tax liability and improve your cash flow with tax deductions.
➡️The 5 key deductions every photographer needs to know about (and should probably be using).
➡️What qualifies for these deductions, and what doesn’t.
➡️How to calculate the deductions that aren’t simple and straightforward.
Last year I cut my taxable income by $12,817 just by utilizing the 5 key deductions I’m going to be sharing with you, so this is a class you won’t want to miss!
Let’s Prep for Tax Season – Together
Keep more of what you make inside of your business with these 5 key deductions for photographers. I’m sharing all inside of my free class — Maximizing Your Tax Deductions as a Photographer!
Make tracking your numbers easy with my Tax Prep Spreadsheet and ensure that tax season is a breeze.
Transform your passion into a thriving business and unlock success for your photography business with my free guide to setting goals for the first year of your photography business.
Mastering your business taxes starts with understanding the different tax categories. Grab my free tax category guide to take the first step towards stress-free taxes today.
Want taxes to suck less? Learn how to correctly prepare your taxes for your accountant with the Photographer Tax Course – and say hello to a confident and calm tax season!
Don’t know what you don’t know? You’re just 90 minutes from a custom tax prep system with my 1:1 Tax Prep Mentoring sessions!
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