YouTuber Taxes in Mississippi - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for a YouTuber in Mississippi

From filming scenic shots along the Gulf Coast to sharing Mississippi’s unique culture, being a YouTuber in the Magnolia State offers exciting opportunities – but also comes with tax responsibilities.

As a content creator earning income through YouTube, the IRS considers you self-employed. This means all earnings are subject to federal income tax, and importantly, self-employment tax. Income exceeding $400 must be reported on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your Form 1040. Self-employment tax, currently 15.3%, covers both Social Security and Medicare contributions, and is calculated on your net earnings (income minus business expenses).

How Mississippi Handles Gig Worker Taxes

Mississippi, while known for its hospitality and Southern charm, also requires residents to file a state income tax return, even if only income is derived from sources outside the state. As a Mississippi resident earning income as a YouTuber, you are obligated to report your earnings to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Mississippi operates under a flat income tax rate, currently 5%, meaning all taxable income is taxed at the same percentage. This differs from progressive tax systems found in many other states. The primary form for self-employed individuals to report income and calculate tax liability is Form 83-101, Mississippi Individual Income Tax Return. You will need to report your Schedule C net profit on this form. Mississippi also allows for certain deductions mirroring federal deductions, but it’s crucial to consult the state’s instructions to ensure compliance. Estimated tax payments may be required quarterly if your tax liability is expected to exceed $100. Failure to file and pay on time can result in penalties and interest. Understanding these state-specific requirements is vital for avoiding issues with the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Resources and forms can be found on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website: https://www.dor.ms.gov/

Key Tax Deductions for Home-Based YouTubers

• Home Office Deduction: To claim 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 the space 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, or, under Section 179, potentially expensed in the year of purchase if certain requirements are met.
• Internet & Phone Bill: You can deduct the business-use percentage of your internet and phone bills. If you use these services for both personal and business purposes, you must determine the percentage of time they are used for your YouTube channel. Keep detailed records to support your claim.

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) or actual vehicle expenses.

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 FICA taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks, but as a self-employed individual, you are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions. You can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income when calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI).