Am I making enough money to need a creator accountant?
Short answer
If you earn $40,000 or more a year from content, a creator accountant usually pays for itself. Below that, a solid write-off system and a basic preparer may be all you need.
Otavio Mayole, Co-founder, DeCypher FinancialsUpdated
Income isn't the only signal. You probably need help if any of these sound like you:
- Your income doubled this year and you're not sure what you'll owe
- Last year's tax bill surprised you, or came with a penalty
- Brand deals, AdSense, TikTok Shop and affiliate money all land in different places
- Business and personal spending share the same card
- Someone told you to become an S-Corp and you don't know if they're right
- You lose a weekend every spring digging through bank statements
If you're under $40,000, here's what to do on your own for now:
- Open a business bank account and one business card, and use them only for business.
- Save receipts for business purchases of $75 or more.
- Set money aside for taxes every time you get paid.
- When you file, use the business code for independent creators, 711510.
We'd rather tell you on a free call that you don't need us yet than take your money. When your income grows, we'll be here.
These are not guarantees. Every creator's situation is different.