Top Tax Mistakes That Cost Creators & Small Business Owners Thousands

CPA for YouTubers, Creators, Online Sellers & Medical Professionals in Los Angeles

Whether you’re a YouTuber, TikToker, Amazon seller, Shopify store owner, filmmaker, actor, doctor, or dentist, one thing is true: taxes can drain your hard-earned money if you don’t plan carefully.

As a trusted CPA for Creators, Online Commerce, and Dental Practices, we see the same costly mistakes year after year — and we help our clients avoid them.

1. Mixing Personal & Business Expenses

One of the biggest slip-ups creators and small business owners make is blurring the line between business and personal spending.

Example:
A YouTuber uses the same credit card for groceries and video gear. Or a Shopify store owner pays for family Amazon purchases with their business account.

👉 Why it’s costly:
When you mix funds, it’s harder to prove legitimate deductions if the IRS asks. You risk losing write-offs you actually deserve.

2. Not Tracking “Mixed-Use” Expenses Properly

Your phone, car, home internet, or studio often have both personal and business use — but many forget to track them correctly.

Example:
A TikToker writes off their entire rent instead of only the home office portion. Or a dentist writes off 100% of their vehicle cost but doesn’t log personal miles.

👉 Why it’s costly:
The IRS can deny excessive deductions and add penalties — plus interest.

3. Missing 1099s & Over-Reporting

Many creators and online sellers get multiple forms — 1099-NEC, 1099-K — from platforms like PayPal, Shopify, or sponsors. If you miss one or double-count income, you could owe more tax than you should.

Example:
A filmmaker gets paid $15,000 through PayPal and receives both a 1099-K and a 1099-NEC for the same project. They accidentally report the same income twice.

👉 Why it’s costly:
Over-reporting means you pay tax twice on the same income. Under-reporting can trigger an IRS notice.

4. Forgetting Legit Deductions

Too many creators and store owners leave money on the table by not claiming business expenses they’re entitled to.

Example:
– A CPA for YouTubers knows you can deduct cameras, lighting, editing software, and even a portion of your home internet.
– A CPA for Shopify Stores will make sure you claim packaging, shipping, and platform fees.
– A Dentist CPA can help you claim continuing education costs, PPE, and professional dues.

👉 Why it’s costly:
Every missed deduction means you pay tax on income you didn’t have to.

5. Not Paying Quarterly Taxes

Freelancers and small business owners are often surprised they need to pay estimated taxes four times a year.

Example:
A TikToker making $80,000 from brand deals never sets money aside. Come April, they owe thousands in penalties and interest.

👉 Why it’s costly:
Late or missing payments rack up fines — money that could stay in your pocket with a little planning.

How to Avoid These Tax Traps

• Keep separate business and personal accounts
• Track income and expenses monthly
• Log mixed-use items with clear percentages
• Work with a specialized CPA for YouTubers, CPA for Shopify Store, CPA for Amazon Business, or Dentist CPA who understands your industry

Work With Experts Who Know Your World

At Velin & Associates, Inc, we help YouTubers, TikTokers, filmmakers, actors, online commerce sellers, and medical professionals keep more of what they earn — legally.

Don’t pay more than you have to!

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