UGC taxes, set aside as you earn.
In the US, money from brand deals is self-employment income: nobody withholds tax for you, so you set it aside yourself. UGC Planner shows a suggested reserve from the income you've received and the rate you choose, keeps quarterly payments and expenses in one place, and builds a year-end worksheet for your tax professional. It's a planning tool, not tax advice.
- Q1–Q4estimated tax payments you made, by quarter
- 4US due dates in view: Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15
- Receiptson every expense: a photo, your library or a PDF
How are UGC creators taxed in the US?
If brands pay you as an independent creator, that income is self-employment income. It goes on Schedule C, and once your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 you also owe self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare: 15.3% (IRS).
Nothing is withheld, so the IRS expects estimated tax payments during the year if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file. The year has four payment periods, each with its own due date (IRS).
Payment doesn't have to be cash. The fair market value of goods or services you receive in exchange for your work counts as income (IRS). Report it all, even without a 1099 (IRS).
Ordinary and necessary business costs, like equipment, software and props, reduce the profit you are taxed on (IRS).
General information, not tax advice. Your state, income and deductions change the numbers; check with a tax professional.
How much should I set aside for taxes?
Pick a rate and UGC Planner shows what to keep aside from the money you've received, for the month and for the year. US accounts see a recommended 30%, with 15.3%, 22%, 27% and 35% one tap away, or your own number. The reserve is your rate times what you were paid; expenses are not deducted, so it errs on the safe side.
How do I keep track of quarterly estimated taxes?
Each quarter, enter what you actually paid. US accounts see the four due dates, Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15 and Jan 15, moved to the next business day when one falls on a weekend or holiday. UGC Planner doesn't calculate what you owe; it keeps what you set aside next to what you've paid.
Which expenses should I track?
Everything you spend on the work, with the receipt. UGC Planner sorts expenses into Equipment, Subscriptions, Beauty supplies, Editing, Food and Other, and takes a receipt as a photo, from your library or as a PDF.
- Repeat an expense weekly, every two weeks or monthly when Cloud Data is on.
- Other income sits next to your deals: affiliate, Amazon, ShopMy, the TikTok Creator Fund, consultations and speaking.
What do I give my accountant?
The annual tax report on Pro: a PDF worksheet for the tax year with gross income, tracked expenses by category, your suggested reserve, the payments you recorded and the gap between them, plus every income and expense record and whether it has a receipt. Each month you can also download a monthly report as a PDF.
How to keep UGC taxes in order with UGC Planner
- Set your tax rateIn Taxes, pick the recommended rate or your own.
- Mark deals paidPaid deals and other income add to your reserve as they come in.
- Log expensesAdd each expense with its receipt as you spend.
- Record paymentsEnter each quarterly payment, then export the year report for your tax professional.
Common questions
Do UGC creators have to pay taxes?
Yes, in the US brand payments are taxable income, and once net earnings from self-employment reach $400 you also owe self-employment tax (IRS). Check the rules with a tax professional.
Are gifted products taxable?
Goods you receive in exchange for content can count as income at their fair market value (IRS). Whether a given package counts depends on the deal; ask a tax professional.
How much should a UGC creator set aside for taxes?
It depends on your state, income and deductions. UGC Planner labels 30% of what you receive as the recommended rate for US accounts, and you can change it any time.
Does UGC Planner file my taxes?
No. It keeps the numbers, receipts and quarterly payments, and builds a year-end worksheet for you or your tax professional. It is a planning tool, not tax advice.
Does it track 1099s or mileage?
No. It tracks income, expenses with receipts, your tax reserve and quarterly payments.
Updated
Know what's yours before tax season.
A tax reserve, quarterly payments and receipts, in the app for UGC creators.