Tax Season: The Hustle to Keep What’s Yours
“Because Uncle Sam Always Collects, But He Don’t Always Deserve It.”
Tax season. For most creatives, those two words hit harder than unpaid invoices and expired Adobe trials. It’s the time of year when your dreams of financial freedom clash with the cold reality of tax forms, deductions, and the looming figure of Uncle Sam. But let’s not treat this like another villain origin story. Tax season doesn’t have to be your nemesis—it can be your come-up.
Here’s how to navigate it like a creative genius while keeping more of what you’ve earned.
Why Tax Season Matters for Creatives
When you’re a creative, tax season isn’t just a mundane chore—it’s a financial report card for your hustle. Whether you’re shooting viral TikToks, running a production studio (House of Friends, anyone?), or freelancing as a graphic designer, tax season is your opportunity to legitimize your business, build wealth, and unlock resources.
Why It’s Crucial:
1. Protect Your Bag: Filing your taxes properly keeps the IRS from knocking on your door.
2. Show You Mean Business: A properly filed return can help when applying for loans, grants, or business credit.
3. Keep Receipts (Literally): This is your chance to claim what’s yours—write-offs that put money back in your pocket.
How to Take Advantage of Tax Season
Here’s the part where the system can work for you—if you know how to play the game. The IRS is basically a game of Monopoly: know the rules, and you can pass “Go” with extra cash in your pocket.
1. Claim Every Write-Off (Yes, Every One)
Creatives have some of the best deductions out there. Some examples:
• Gear & Software: Cameras, mics, editing software, even apps like Canva.
• Studio Space: A portion of your rent or mortgage if you work from home.
• Travel: Plane tickets to shoot a project? Uber to meet a client? Deductible.
• Networking Meals: That $20 coffee meeting to pitch a project? 50% deductible.
If you spent money to make money, it’s probably deductible.
2. Separate Your Business and Personal Finances
You can claim expenses from personal accounts if you have proof, but a business bank account makes it way easier. Get one now if you haven’t already. It’ll save you from messy receipts and IRS side-eyes.
3. Leverage a Pro
Taxes for creatives are nuanced. A good accountant isn’t a cost; they’re an investment. Find one who knows your industry—they’ll help you maximize deductions without red-flagging your return.
How to Avoid Getting Played
Tax season can feel like an unfair game where the government always wins. But the truth is, you only get taken advantage of if you’re unprepared. Here’s how to stay on top:
1. Don’t Ignore Quarterly Taxes
If you freelance or own a business, you’re supposed to pay taxes quarterly. The IRS expects you to split that bill into four payments. Miss them, and you’re hit with penalties. Set reminders, automate payments—whatever it takes.
2. Track Everything (No, Really)
You can’t claim a deduction if you don’t have records. Use apps like QuickBooks or Expensify to track income and expenses throughout the year. No receipts? Bank statements can help, but they’re your last resort.
3. Know Your Worth
As a creative, you may feel like the system is set up against you. And, for Black business owners, there’s truth to that. According to the U.S. Census, Black-owned businesses grew by 34% between 2017 and 2022, but systemic inequities—like limited access to capital—still put many at a disadvantage. Filing your taxes properly is one way to protect your assets, build financial credibility, and contribute to that growth story.
Stats That Matter for Black Creatives
• 30% of Black business owners report feeling underprepared for tax season, compared to 19% of other groups (source: Small Business Trends).
• Black entrepreneurs are 2x more likely to fund their business from personal savings.
• Tax compliance boosts access to loans and grants. File well, and you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
The Final Word: Know the Game, Keep the Hustle
Tax season is like that one client who’s late with payments: annoying but unavoidable. The key is to stay ahead. Treat it like a game—know the rules, claim what’s yours, and don’t let anyone take more than they’re owed.
Remember, Uncle Sam may collect, but he doesn’t deserve the fruits of your all-nighters, your 17-hour shoot days, or the $8 latte you got just to sit in Starbucks for Wi-Fi. Tax season is just another challenge in the creative hustle. Handle it right, and you’ll come out on top.
And hey, if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember: Filing taxes is still easier than explaining to your parents why you’re pursuing an “alternative” career.
