Tax for the New Self-Employed

Built for creators, freelancers, and online operators. Whether you earn from AdSense, Substack subscriptions, a Shopify store, or content platforms, your tax obligations follow the same core rules — with important differences in how income is reported and what you can deduct. These guides explain the mechanics, grounded in IRS sources, without the jargon.

Choose your creator type

YouTubers

AdSense income, sponsorships, equipment deductions, and S-corp timing.

Substack Writers

Subscription revenue, 1099-K threshold, research deductions, and business structure.

OnlyFans Creators

1099-NEC, platform fees, equipment deductions, and quarterly estimated taxes.

Shopify / E-com Operators

Inventory, Section 263A, economic nexus, and accounting methods.

Tax questions, answered

Do YouTubers need to pay self-employment tax? →
How do YouTubers report AdSense income on taxes? →
Are sponsored YouTube videos considered business income? →
Can YouTubers deduct camera and equipment expenses? →
Do YouTubers need an LLC? →
When should a YouTuber consider S-corp election? →
Are gifts and merchandise sent by brands taxable? →
How does multi-state income work for YouTubers? →
Do Substack writers pay self-employment tax? →
Does the $600 1099-K threshold apply to Substack income? →
What business expenses can Substack writers deduct? →
When should a Substack writer elect S-corp? →

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