As a Patreon creator, the most important tax form you’ll deal with is the 1099-K form for any earnings over $600. But when it comes to reporting your income and figuring out your taxes, you’ll also need to file a Schedule C and Schedule SE with your tax return.
Schedule C is where you report all of your business income and expenses. This form helps you calculate your profit or loss from your Patreon work. On this form, you can deduct any business-related expenses, such as equipment, software subscriptions, or even a portion of your home office costs if you're eligible for the home office deduction.
In addition to Schedule C, you’ll also need to file Schedule SE for self-employment taxes. As a self-employed creator, Patreon doesn’t withhold taxes for you, so it’s your responsibility to pay the self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare. This tax is calculated based on your net earnings from Schedule C.
As a Patreon creator, no one is withholding taxes for you, so if you think you'll owe more than $1,000 when you file, it's important to make estimated tax payments. These payments are due quarterly on the following dates:
- April 15th
- June 15th
- September 15th
- January 15th of the next year
Your estimated taxes are based on your net income, which is your total income minus any business expenses or write-offs.
Being a content creator means your income can vary a lot from month to month. But with Patreon, the regular membership fees can give you more predictable monthly earnings, making it easier to plan for those quarterly tax payments.
It's important to plan ahead, as the self-employment tax can add up quickly. When filing taxes for 2024, be sure to have all your forms ready, including your 1099, Schedule C, and Schedule SE, so you can accurately report your income and expenses.