YouTube Tax Calculator
Find out how much to set aside for taxes on your YouTube income. AdSense, sponsorships, merch — we'll help you calculate it all.
Not affiliated with YouTube or Google.
Enter your YouTube income to see your estimated tax breakdown
How YouTube Income Is Taxed
As a YouTuber, you're considered self-employed by the IRS. This means your YouTube income is subject to:
No taxes are withheld from YouTube payments. Unlike a W-2 job, Google doesn't withhold taxes from your AdSense earnings. You're responsible for setting aside money and making quarterly estimated tax payments.
YouTube Income Sources
All of these count as taxable self-employment income:
AdSense Revenue
Your cut of ad revenue from videos (typically 55% of what advertisers pay)
Sponsorships & Brand Deals
Payments from brands for dedicated videos, integrations, or mentions
Super Chat & Super Stickers
Viewer payments during live streams (you keep ~70%)
Channel Memberships
Monthly subscriber payments for perks (you keep ~70%)
Merch Shelf Sales
Revenue from merchandise sold through YouTube's merch shelf
Affiliate Commissions
Amazon Associates, other affiliate programs linked in descriptions
Tax Deductions for YouTubers
These business expenses reduce your taxable income. Keep receipts!
🎥 Equipment
- Camera and lenses
- Microphones and audio gear
- Lighting equipment
- Tripods, gimbals, drones
- Computer for editing
- Storage drives
💻 Software & Services
- Editing software (Premiere, Final Cut)
- Thumbnail tools (Photoshop, Canva Pro)
- Music licensing (Epidemic Sound, Artlist)
- Stock footage subscriptions
- Cloud storage
- VPN services
🏠 Home Studio
- Home office deduction
- Soundproofing materials
- Backdrops and set design
- Desk and chair
- Portion of rent/utilities
📈 Growth & Operations
- Thumbnail designer fees
- Video editor payments
- Channel manager fees
- Courses and coaching
- Travel for content
- Props and costumes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay taxes if I make less than $600 on YouTube?
Yes. The $600 threshold only determines whether Google sends you a 1099 form — it doesn't determine whether you owe taxes. All self-employment income is taxable, even $1. However, if your total self-employment profit is under $400, you don't owe self-employment tax (but may still owe income tax).
When do I need to pay taxes on YouTube income?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, the IRS wants you to make quarterly estimated payments. Due dates are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Use our Quarterly Tax Calculator to figure out your payment schedule.
Can I deduct my camera if I also use it for personal videos?
You can only deduct the business-use percentage. If you use your camera 80% for YouTube and 20% for personal use, you can deduct 80% of the cost. Keep a log of business vs. personal use to support your deduction.
What's the QBI deduction and do YouTubers qualify?
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction lets you deduct up to 20% of your net self-employment income from your taxable income. Most YouTubers qualify if their taxable income is below $191,950 (single) or $383,900 (married filing jointly) in 2025. Learn more about QBI →
Do I need an LLC to deduct business expenses?
No. You can deduct business expenses as a sole proprietor (which is what you are by default). An LLC can provide liability protection and other benefits, but it's not required for tax deductions. Consult with a tax professional about whether an LLC makes sense for your situation.
Are free products from brands taxable?
Generally yes. If a brand sends you a free camera worth $2,000 in exchange for a review, the fair market value ($2,000) is considered taxable income. However, if you return the product after the review, it may not be taxable. Keep records of all gifted products and their values.