Struggling to Track ‘Mixed-Use’ Expenses? You’re Not Alone
CPA for Creators, Online Sellers & Medical Professionals in Los Angeles
If you’re a YouTuber, Shopify store owner, filmmaker, or dentist running your own business, the line between personal and professional expenses often gets blurry. That gym membership, your new iPhone, a home office upgrade—are they deductible? Partially? Not at all?
This is one of the most common questions we get as CPAs for YouTubers, creators, online sellers, and medical professionals.
What Are “Mixed-Use” Expenses?
Mixed-use expenses are costs that serve both personal and business purposes. Some typical examples include:
- Phone bills: You film TikToks and answer client calls—but also scroll Instagram or FaceTime with family.
- Home office: You edit wedding videos or manage dental practice admin—but may also use the space for personal downtime.
- Vehicles: You deliver online orders or drive to set—but also run personal errands or pick up your kids from school.
If you’re not tracking these properly, you could end up overpaying taxes or increasing your audit risk.
So What Can You Do?
🔹 If you’re a YouTuber or TikToker
You shoot beauty content from your bedroom studio. Your ring light, makeup, and upgraded Wi-Fi are legitimate business expenses. But your rent? Only a portion is deductible—based on your home office square footage.
Do you know how to calculate that percentage correctly and prove it to the IRS if needed?
🔹 If you’re an Amazon seller or online store owner
You use your SUV for both personal errands and product deliveries. Tracking mileage and allocating vehicle costs properly can save you thousands in legal deductions.
Do you know how to document this in a way that stands up to an audit?
🔹 If you’re a dentist or medical professional
You use the same phone for patient scheduling and personal calls. Splitting the cost based on actual business use can reduce your taxable income and make the deduction audit-proof.
Do you know how to determine the right percentage and keep the records the IRS expects?
Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back.
At Velin & Associates, Inc, we work with YouTubers, TikTokers, Shopify sellers, filmmakers, actors, and dental professionals across Los Angeles to help maximize deductions and simplify tax compliance.
Whether you’re looking for a CPA for Online Commerce, a CPA for Filmmakers, or a CPA for Dental Practice, our team understands your world—and how to make the numbers work in your favor.
Best Practices to Stay Compliant & Save More
- Keep receipts and digital records
- Use apps to track mileage and dual-use expenses
- Separate business and personal bank accounts
- Consult with a CPA who knows your industry
Don’t guess. Mixing things up without professional guidance can cost you—either in missed deductions or IRS trouble.
For more information about our services, please visit our website.
Velin & Associates, Inc
8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org
Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.