What Creators Should Do After Tax Season: 5 Smart Moves to Start Now

Tax season is over — but if you’re a YouTuber, TikToker, videographer, or creative freelancer, the work isn’t done yet. In fact, now is the best time to get ahead of the next tax year.

Many creators come to us at Velin and Associates after scrambling through receipts or getting surprised by what they owe. As experienced CPAs for creators and CPAs for YouTubers, we’ve seen the same patterns over and over — and we know exactly how to help you break them.

Here are five smart financial moves you should make after tax season to stay organized, lower your tax bill, and grow your business like a pro.

1. Get Your Records Organized — Before It’s a Mess Again

If your tax season involved digging through emails or text messages looking for receipts, it’s time to start fresh — right now.

You don’t need fancy software. What you do need is:

• A clear system (folders by month or category)

• A place to upload and store receipts (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

• A routine to track income and expenses monthly

Many creators use tools like QuickBooks or Wave — but without proper setup and review, these tools often cause more confusion than clarity. We’ve seen creators accidentally overpay taxes or trigger IRS scrutiny by mislabeling expenses.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the tools to stay organized — but have a CPA for creators review and clean your records quarterly.

2. Review Your Income Sources (Yes, All of Them)

Content creators often have 3–10 income streams:

• YouTube AdSense

• Brand deals and sponsorships

• Affiliate links

• Patreon or OnlyFans

• Freelance work or photography gigs

• Merch sales

• Paid appearances

The IRS counts it all — and so should you.

Now is the perfect time to:

• List every income source

• Make sure it’s tracked properly (not just sitting in Venmo or Cash App)

• Review which platforms issue 1099s (and which don’t)

If you’re earning in multiple places, you need more than a spreadsheet. A good CPA in Los Angeles will help you understand how each income stream is taxed — and how to plan for it.

3. Plan for Quarterly Taxes — Or Pay the Price Later

If you owed money this tax season, chances are you need to pay quarterly estimated taxes from now on. Missing these can lead to:

• Penalties

• Interest

• Big tax surprises next April

Here’s how to stay on track:

• Estimate this year’s income based on last year

• Divide your projected tax liability by 4

• Set calendar reminders: April, June, September, January

• Use a separate savings account to set aside funds monthly

The safest route? Work with a tax advisor in Los Angeles to calculate and file your quarterly payments. DIY calculators often miss important deductions or overestimate what you owe.

4. Evaluate Your Deductions — What Did You Miss?

Many creators miss out on thousands in deductions every year simply because they don’t know what qualifies.

Common (and often overlooked) write-offs:

• Cameras, lenses, lighting, props, and editing software

• Travel for shoots or content creation

• Home office expenses (Wi-Fi, phone, rent %)

• Meals with collaborators or sponsors

• Courses or coaching related to your craft

Tax software can’t ask the right follow-up questions — but a CPA can. We often find new clients overpaid in past years because they were too cautious or uninformed.

Let an experienced accountant in Los Angeles review your past returns and flag missed opportunities. It could be worth thousands.

5. Start Thinking Like a Business, Not Just a Creator

If you made more than $40,000–$50,000 last year from your content or creative services, it’s time to treat it like a real business.

Here’s what that means:

• Consider forming an LLC or S Corporation (can save you thousands in self-employment taxes)

• Open a separate business bank account

• Use a business credit card for easy expense tracking

• Start a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) to lower your tax bill while saving for retirement

Creators often wait too long to make these moves — and miss out on major tax savings. Don’t be one of them.

At Velin and Associates, we specialize in helping content creators make smart financial decisions that grow with their brand.

🎯 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Tax season may be over, but now is when smart creators take control of their finances.

Velin and Associates is a top-rated firm providing expert accounting services in Los Angeles, trusted by YouTubers, freelancers, and creative professionals nationwide.

Whether you need help organizing, tax planning, or deciding on an LLC — we’re here for you year-round.

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation today 323-902-1000 and get real advice from a trusted CPA for creators in Los Angeles.