Let’s be real for a second: the word “audit” makes most of us want to run for the hills.
Especially if you’re in your first few years of business and still figuring out how to file taxes as a creative entrepreneur. But here’s the truth…

Getting audited as a photographer doesn’t have to send you into full-blown panic mode.
In fact, if you’ve been organizing your finances well and keeping clear records, it’s more manageable than you might think.

In my latest YouTube video, I’m walking you through exactly what to do if you’re audited as a photographer—so you can feel prepared, not petrified.

What Even Is an Audit?

First things first: an audit is just the IRS asking for backup documentation.
That’s it. It doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done something wrong or that you’re in trouble.
Sometimes audits are random. Other times, it’s triggered by something like large deductions, inconsistent numbers, or missing paperwork.

Think of it like the IRS saying:
“Hey, we see these numbers. Can you just show us how you got there?”

What You’ll Learn in the Video

In this video, I’ll guide you through:

✅ What to do the moment you receive an audit notice
✅ What kinds of documentation the IRS might ask for (like invoices, receipts, or mileage logs)
✅ Why staying calm and honest is key
✅ When to involve your tax professional and what they can do for you
✅ Easy steps you can take now to avoid future stress

You’ll also get my personal tips for staying audit-ready year-round—so even if that dreaded letter does show up, you won’t feel blindsided.

Free Resource to Help You Prep

This video is brought to you by my free guide:
15 Business Tax Category Breakdowns — a super simple tool to help you organize your expenses and track everything the right way from the start.
Trust me, this freebie will make your bookkeeping (and potential audit prep) way less stressful.

You’ve Got This (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

I know taxes can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling sessions, editing, and growing your photography business. But being proactive now sets you up for so much more peace later.

Audits sound intimidating, but with the right systems in place, they’re totally navigable.
Let me help you feel confident, clear, and organized so you can get back to doing what you love: capturing magic behind the lens.

Click below to watch the video and learn exactly what to do if you’re audited as a photographer.

XOXO – Heather

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And don’t forget to grab my free 15 Business Tax Category Breakdowns Guide to get a head start on organizing your expenses and maximizing your write-offs.

Let’s make this the year you take control of your business finances!

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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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