Has anyone tried using percentage allocation for this? I do baking videos and typically deduct 75% of the cost of ingredients since I make multiple test batches before filming the final version, but then my family eats the finished product.

This is such a timely question! I just started my own food content channel last month and have been wrestling with exactly these issues. One thing I've learned is that documentation is absolutely critical. I now keep a detailed spreadsheet that tracks every grocery purchase, noting which items were bought specifically for video content versus regular family meals. For ingredients used in videos, I record the video title, filming date, and business purpose. I also photograph my receipts and keep notes about any test batches or failed attempts - apparently those count as legitimate business expenses too since they're part of the content development process. My accountant told me that the key is showing clear business intent and maintaining consistent records. The mixed-use aspect is definitely tricky though. When I make a dish for a video and then serve it to my family for dinner, I usually allocate about 70% as business expense (for the content creation part) and 30% as personal (for the family meal aspect). Not sure if that's the "right" way to do it, but it feels reasonable and my tax preparer approved the approach. Anyone else have tips for keeping good records for food content expenses?

7 What about tracking expenses for content creation? For example, if I bought a special camera or lighting equipment specifically for creating content, can I deduct that? How do I prove it's for business and not personal use?

This is exactly the kind of situation where it's worth getting clarity early! I went through something similar when I started my freelance writing side hustle. Even though $75 seems small, reporting it correctly from the start establishes good habits and keeps you compliant. One thing I learned is to start keeping track of ALL your business-related expenses now, even the small ones. Things like software subscriptions, web hosting, even a portion of your phone bill if you use it for business communications. These deductions can add up and offset your income. Also, consider opening a separate bank account for your content creation income and expenses. It makes record-keeping much easier and looks more professional if you ever get audited. Even a simple checking account works - you don't need anything fancy when you're just starting out. The key is treating this like a real business from day one, even if it's small. That mindset will serve you well as you grow!

pending since OCTOBER?? nah fam thats wild 😤

I've been dealing with similar issues and what finally worked for me was getting my account transcript and looking for the specific transaction codes. The 570 freeze code is common but there are others like 971, 810, etc. Each one requires different steps to resolve. If your advocate isn't responding, try calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service directly at 877-777-4778 and ask for a case status update. You can also try the IRS Practitioner Priority Service if you have a tax professional helping you. Don't give up - sometimes it takes multiple calls but eventually you'll get someone who can actually help move things along.

151 usually means they're making an adjustment. In my case last year, they found a mistake I made calculating my child tax credit. They fixed it, sent me a letter explaining the change, and I got my refund (minus the adjustment) about 3 weeks later. Don't panic - it's usually not something major unless you knowingly tried to claim something you shouldn't have.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in mid-February and just saw the 151 code pop up on my transcript yesterday. From what I've researched, it seems like it's pretty common this year - the IRS is being extra thorough with reviews. I'm trying to stay patient but it's frustrating when you're counting on that refund money. Keep us updated on what happens with yours - I'm curious to see if we're in similar situations with the timeline!

Tax topics are much less concerning than error codes. When I had an actual error code (like code 1121), my return was delayed for 8 weeks. But when I just had Tax Topic 152, my refund processed normally - about 2-3 weeks total. It's similar to how Amazon might show "preparing for shipment" versus "problem with delivery" - completely different situations. If you're just seeing a tax topic without an error code, it's typically just the IRS's way of providing general information rather than flagging a problem.

From my experience working with tax returns, tax topics are essentially the IRS's way of categorizing different types of processing situations. Think of them like filing categories - they help the IRS organize and track different scenarios that might come up during processing. The key thing to remember is that having a tax topic doesn't automatically mean there's a problem. Tax Topic 152 (refund information) is incredibly common and just means your return is moving through their normal processing workflow. However, if you're seeing Tax Topic 151, that could indicate an offset situation where part of your refund might be applied to past debts like student loans, child support, or other government obligations. The important thing is to identify the specific number and not panic - most tax topics are just procedural markers rather than red flags.