QUESTION
Can you deduct stock video subscriptions for business?
Yes, often you can deduct stock video subscriptions if they are a legitimate business expense and are used for income-producing work.
In general, tax rules look at whether the expense is ordinary and necessary for your business. If you use stock video for things like client projects, marketing, social media content, or monetized videos, it may be deductible to the extent it’s used for business.
A few practical points:
- Business use: Usually deductible if it directly supports your business.
- Personal use: Not deductible for purely personal use or hobbies.
- Mixed use: If you use it for both business and personal purposes, you generally deduct only the business portion.
- Records: Keep invoices, payment records, and notes showing how you used the subscription.
How it’s categorized on a tax return can vary by country and by your specific situation, so labels like advertising, software/subscriptions, supplies, or cost of goods sold may all be possible depending on how the subscription is used and how your books are kept.
Because tax treatment depends on your jurisdiction and facts, it’s a good idea to confirm with a CPA or tax professional before filing.