When you think about business finances for photographers, do you get that little pit in your stomach? I’ve been there. Early in my career, I was shooting weddings on the weekends, editing until 2 a.m., and panicking about whether I had set enough money aside for taxes. (Spoiler: I hadn’t.) What I’ve learned since then […]

As a wedding photographer turned tax educator, I’ve learned just how confusing it can be to keep up with both federal vs. state taxes for photographers. When I first started my business, I assumed taxes were all handled the same way no matter where you lived, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In […]

As a photographer, growing your business is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities, especially when it comes to taxes. That’s why I created this post about tax planning tips for growing photography businesses. Knowing what to do ahead of time can save you money, keep you organized, and prevent a lot of stress […]

As photographers, we wear a lot of hats: creative, marketer, bookkeeper, editor, and sometimes even part-time lawyer and accountant. But when tax season rolls around, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Can you deduct personal expenses as a photographer?” The short answer? Not usually. But the truth is a little more nuanced, […]

When I first started my business, I was working photography part-time while balancing another job. If that’s you right now, I get it, you’re hustling on the weekends, editing late at night, and wondering how in the world you’re supposed to handle your taxes as a side hustler. Taxes for part-time photographers can feel overwhelming, […]

As a photographer and educator who works with creatives in their first few years of business, I know how confusing sales tax can be. Between state-specific rules, inconsistent advice in Facebook groups, and the feeling of “I’m just a service provider—this shouldn’t apply to me,” it’s no wonder so many photographers feel overwhelmed. That’s exactly […]

When I first realized I needed to be charging sales tax in my photography business, I felt completely overwhelmed. I had no idea where to begin, what systems I needed to set up, or how to make sure I was doing it correctly. If you’re in that same spot—wondering how to collect and pay sales […]

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re supposed to charge sales tax on your photography packages, you’re definitely not alone. In this week’s YouTube video, I’m breaking down what’s taxable in your state as a photographer, so you can stop second-guessing and start making confident business decisions. Why It Matters Sales tax rules vary a lot […]

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Wait…I’m a photographer. I don’t sell products, so I don’t need to deal with sales tax, right?,” you’re not alone. This is one of the biggest myths new photographers believe, and it can cost you a lot if you’re not careful. That’s why I’m kicking off a four-part video […]

Let’s be honest: one of the most overwhelming parts of running a photography business is figuring out taxes, especially knowing which forms you actually need to file. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your laptop during tax season thinking, “What tax forms do photographers need to file?”; you are not alone. In this week’s […]