Must-Have Tax Deductions for Esports Players and Streamers

If you want to pay less in taxes without doing anything shady, start here.

You already know from my other blogs that once you’re running your gaming or content career as a business, the IRS sees you as self-employed. That means you’re taxed on your net income (your revenue minus legitimate business expenses).

Every dollar you can reasonably deduct lowers your taxable income and puts more back in your pocket. Simple idea, big impact.

But most creators miss out because they don’t know what counts or they’re too worried about “doing it wrong.” Let’s change that.

The Real Cost of Missing Deductions

Forget the endless internet lists. These are the ones that move the needle for pros and streamers:

1. Equipment & Gear: If it helps you compete, create, or stream, it likely qualifies.
PCs, monitors, microphones, cameras, lighting, controllers, chairs, and desks all count. Big purchases (over $2,500) may need to be depreciated, unless you qualify for Section 179 expensing, which lets you write off the full cost right away.

2. Internet & Utilities: You can’t stream without bandwidth. Deduct the business-use portion of your internet bill, phone line, and electricity (through the home-office calculation).

3. Home Office Deduction: If you use a dedicated room or space exclusively for your content or gaming work, it qualifies. You can use the simplified method: $5 per square foot up to 300 sq ft; or the actual-expense method if you want precision (and usually a bigger deduction).

4. Software & Subscriptions: Editing, design, and production tools are business essentials. Adobe CC, Streamlabs, OBS plugins, royalty-free music libraries, even Twitch Turbo or Discord Nitro can qualify if they’re used for work.

5. Travel & Meals: Tournaments, conventions, and brand events count as business travel. Flights, hotels, ride-shares, parking, and 50 percent of business meals are deductible.

6. Professional Services: This is where creators often overpay by not taking deductions. Your CPA, lawyer, or advisor, all deductible. Same goes for coaching or business-strategy sessions tied to your growth.

7. Marketing & Branding: Your content is your brand. Design work, ad spend, web hosting, domain renewals, and giveaway items (if they drive business) all qualify.

8. The Overlooked Ones

• Business insurance for liability or gear
• Coaching or training fees that improve your skills
• Health insurance premiums if you’re self-employed

The Mistakes That Cost You

Here’s where most creators go wrong, just because nobody’s ever explained the “why” behind the rules.

They blur personal and business expenses. They forget to track receipts. They avoid claiming the home-office deduction because they once heard it’s an “audit flag.” And they don’t treat deductions like a strategy.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Writing off personal purchases “just in case.” (Spoiler: the IRS can spot this a mile away.)
• Mixing business and personal transactions, which makes bookkeeping a nightmare.
• Ignoring documentation. If you can’t prove business purpose, you lose the deduction.
• Overlooking partial-use deductions for internet or phone bills.
• Fearing the home-office deduction—when it’s fully legitimate if done right.

Good recordkeeping and a clear system solve all of this.

Building a Smarter Tax Strategy

Every creator and player I work with hits a turning point: the moment they realize deductions are the framework of running a real business.

You could track and categorize everything yourself, but let’s be real: the tax code changes constantly and guessing costs more than getting it right.

When we work together, I help you build a system that captures every allowable deduction, keeps you compliant, and frees you from worrying whether you missed something.

If you’re ready to see what you’ve been leaving on the table, schedule a 30-minute strategy session, and let’s get your tax setup dialed in. You’ve earned it, now let’s make sure you keep it.

About Dark Horse CPAs

Dark Horse CPAs provides an integrated suite of services including tax, accounting, fractional CFO, and wealth management to small businesses and individuals across the U.S. The firm was established to transform the client experience by offering personalized, high-quality services that small businesses and individuals deserve. As Dark Horses in their industries, these businesses benefit from advanced tax strategies and accounting insights typically reserved for larger companies. With a nationwide presence and a team of dedicated professionals, Dark Horse CPAs is committed to your success. Get a quote today.