YouTuber Taxes in Louisiana - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for a YouTuber in Louisiana

From showcasing the vibrant culture of New Orleans to documenting the beauty of the bayous, being a YouTuber in Louisiana offers unique content opportunities – and unique tax responsibilities.

As a content creator earning income through YouTube, the IRS considers this self-employment income. This means all earnings over $400 must be reported to the IRS on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your Form 1040. Crucially, this income is also subject to self-employment tax, covering both Social Security and Medicare contributions.

How Louisiana Handles Gig Worker Taxes

Louisiana, known for its rich history and diverse economy, requires residents to file a state income tax return if their income exceeds certain thresholds. As a self-employed YouTuber residing in Louisiana, you are obligated to report your YouTube income to the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Louisiana operates on a graduated income tax system, meaning the tax rate increases as your income increases. For the 2025 tax year, the rates are tiered, and it's essential to consult the latest tax brackets published by the state. The primary form used for reporting self-employment income is Louisiana Form IT-540B, Schedule E (Self-Employment Income).

Louisiana also allows for various deductions that can reduce your taxable income, mirroring some federal deductions. Keep meticulous records of all income and expenses. Estimated tax payments are generally required quarterly if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in state income tax. Failing to make these payments can result in penalties. Louisiana’s tax laws can be complex, and it’s advisable to consult with a qualified tax professional to ensure full compliance. You can find more information and access forms on the Louisiana Department of Revenue website: Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Key Tax Deductions for Home-Based YouTubers

• Home Office Deduction: To qualify for the home office deduction, the space must be used exclusively and regularly for your YouTube business. “Exclusive use” means that portion of your home is used solely for business purposes – it cannot double as a guest room or family space. “Regular use” means you use it consistently for your business. You can calculate the deduction using the simplified method ($5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet) or the actual expense method (calculating a percentage of your mortgage/rent, utilities, etc., based on the square footage used for business).
• Hardware & Software: The cost of equipment essential to your YouTube channel is generally deductible. This includes computers, cameras, microphones, lighting, editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), and website hosting fees. These are typically depreciated over their useful life, but Section 179 expensing may allow for immediate deduction of some costs.
• Internet & Phone Bill: If you use your internet and phone for both personal and business purposes, you can deduct the percentage attributable to your YouTube channel. Keep detailed records of how you use these services for business (e.g., uploading videos, responding to emails, marketing).

Note on Mileage: As a home-based YouTuber, mileage deductions are less common. However, if you occasionally travel for client meetings, filming locations outside your home, or to purchase business supplies, you can deduct those miles using the standard mileage rate (set annually by the IRS).

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Explained

The 15.3% self-employment tax is comprised of two parts: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. This is essentially the equivalent of the employer and employee portions of these taxes when you are traditionally employed. You can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income when calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI).