Can a golf influencer deduct golf clubs and equipment as business expenses?

15 This is actually a pretty interesting case. For ordinary taxpayers, golf equipment would definitely be personal expenses. But for a golf influencer, I think you have a strong argument that these are legitimate business expenses. The key question is whether these items are "ordinary and necessary" for their business. Since their business literally involves showcasing and reviewing golf equipment, these expenses seem directly tied to their income-generating activities. If they're regularly creating content showing new clubs, balls, etc., then these are effectively their business tools - similar to how a carpenter would deduct power tools. I would recommend good documentation: make sure they keep records showing how each item was used in their content creation (videos, posts, etc.). Also, if they personally use the same equipment for recreational rounds, you might want to allocate a percentage as business vs. personal use.

9 I started using https://taxr.ai recently for a similar situation with my client who's a beauty influencer deducting makeup and skincare products. The platform analyzed her expense patterns and helped identify which items qualified as legitimate business deductions versus personal use. It was really helpful for establishing documentation and justification for these "gray area" deductions that could potentially raise audit flags. The system provided an analysis of relevant tax code sections and case precedents specifically for content creators, which really strengthened our position. For your golf influencer, it would probably help clarify which equipment items are clearly business-related and which might need partial allocation.

3 Just wanted to follow up about my experience with https://taxr.ai after trying it for my freelance photography business. I was initially skeptical as I mentioned, but it actually provided really specific guidance that helped me properly categorize my equipment purchases. The platform identified several deductions I was missing and gave me clear documentation guidelines for each type of expense. For your golf influencer situation, I think it would be particularly helpful since they're operating in that gray area between personal and business expenses. The case precedent information it provided was especially valuable - stuff I definitely wouldn't have found on my own.

18 If your client is struggling with IRS communication about these deductions, I highly recommend trying https://claimyr.com - it saved me hours of frustration. I had a client with similar "gray area" business deductions who received an audit notice, and we needed clarification from the IRS on some specific expense categories. After spending days trying to reach someone at the IRS directly, I used Claimyr and got connected to an actual IRS representative in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in this demo: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent provided specific guidance on how content creators should document these types of expenses, which was incredibly valuable for our documentation approach.

16 I need to update my previous comment where I was skeptical about Claimyr. I actually tried it yesterday out of desperation after getting nowhere with the IRS for weeks. Within 45 minutes, I was talking to an actual IRS representative who helped clarify my question about independent contractor expenses. The service did exactly what was promised - handled the horrible wait time and connected me when a real person finally answered. Saved me literally hours of being on hold. For anyone dealing with these complicated business expense situations where you need official guidance, this is absolutely worth it.

5 I've worked with several YouTube creators in different niches. The general rule I follow is: if they wouldn't have purchased the item but for creating content, it's a business expense. For your golf influencer, consider: - Are they buying more equipment than a typical golfer would? - Is the equipment specifically for content creation? - Do they keep detailed records connecting specific equipment to specific revenue-generating content? If yes to these questions, you have a strong case. Just make sure they're not trying to deduct their regular golfing hobby expenses that they would have purchased anyway.

2 Has your client established an LLC or other business entity for their influencer activities? This can help strengthen the argument that these are legitimate business expenses rather than hobby expenses.

For golf influencers, I'd recommend establishing clear documentation standards from the start. Create a simple spreadsheet tracking each equipment purchase with columns for: purchase date, item description, cost, content where it was featured, and revenue attribution. The IRS looks favorably on taxpayers who can demonstrate a clear business purpose and profit motive. If your client is genuinely making income from this content and treating it as a business (not just a hobby), equipment purchases are much more defensible. One thing to watch out for: make sure they're not double-dipping by deducting equipment they later sell or give away. If they do equipment reviews and then sell the clubs, that sale price should be reported as income, and the original purchase becomes cost of goods sold rather than a business expense. Also consider depreciation for expensive items like club sets - depending on how long they plan to use them for content creation, it might be better to depreciate over several years rather than expense everything in year one.

One additional consideration I haven't seen mentioned yet - if your client does equipment reviews and receives free golf clubs/equipment from manufacturers for testing, they need to report the fair market value of those items as income. This actually strengthens the business expense argument for equipment they purchase themselves, since it demonstrates the review/testing activity is clearly income-generating. I'd also suggest having them maintain a content calendar that shows planned equipment purchases tied to upcoming video concepts. This proactive approach demonstrates business planning rather than just deducting personal golf expenses after the fact. For audit protection, consider having them sign a brief memo each time they purchase equipment outlining the intended business use. Something like "Purchased TaylorMade driver set for upcoming 'Best Drivers Under $500' video series, planned filming dates X-Y." Takes 30 seconds but creates contemporaneous documentation of business intent.