YouTuber Taxes in New Hampshire - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for a YouTuber in New Hampshire

From filming scenic hikes in the White Mountains to sharing local New Hampshire experiences, being a YouTuber offers exciting opportunities – but it also comes with tax responsibilities. As a content creator earning income through platforms like YouTube, understanding your tax obligations is crucial for staying compliant with both federal and state regulations.

The IRS considers YouTube income as self-employment income, meaning it must be reported on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your Form 1040. Regardless of income level, any net earnings exceeding $400 are subject to self-employment tax, which covers both Social Security and Medicare contributions. Accurate record-keeping throughout the year is essential for maximizing deductions and minimizing your tax liability.

How New Hampshire Handles Gig Worker Taxes

New Hampshire stands out as one of the few states in the nation with no broad-based income tax, meaning YouTubers won’t be filing a state income tax return based on their earnings. However, this doesn’t mean federal tax obligations are waived. The federal government still requires all income, including YouTube revenue, to be reported and taxed. New Hampshire’s unique tax structure, historically rooted in a commitment to limited government and local control, means the state relies heavily on property taxes and other revenue sources. While there's no income tax, businesses operating in New Hampshire are subject to other taxes, such as the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) and the Interest and Dividends Tax (IDT), though these generally don't apply directly to individual YouTubers unless they operate as a corporation or LLC. It’s important to note that New Hampshire does tax interest and dividends, so any income earned from investments related to your YouTube channel (e.g., savings accounts holding ad revenue) may be subject to the Interest and Dividends Tax. Staying informed about these nuances is key to responsible financial management as a New Hampshire-based creator. For more information on New Hampshire taxes, please visit the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration: https://www.revenue.nh.gov/

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 can’t double as a guest room or family space. “Regular use” means you use the space consistently for your YouTube activities. 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. If an item has a useful life of more than one year (e.g., a computer), it may need to be depreciated over several years.
• 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 to support your deduction. For example, if 75% of your internet usage is for uploading videos, editing, and research, you can deduct 75% of your internet bill.

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 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 tax is essentially the equivalent of the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks. As a self-employed individual, you are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of these taxes. You can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income when calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI).