08/28/2026
I still get the same question from clients who film on weekends: if I posted it, can I deduct it? As of August 18, 2026, the Tax Court answered that in writing.
In T.C. Memo. 2026-69, a taxpayer who called himself an influencer tried to write off Grammys travel, Emmys tickets, and paid meet-and-greets with actors. He first called the costs charitable gifts. After that failed, he called them marketing. The Court allowed neither.
The numbers the Court left standing
The individual also worked as an IT manager, a chauffeur, and a ticket reseller. The social media following did not change the Code. The IRS assessed tax and the 20 percent accuracy-related penalty under section 6662(a):
- 2019: $63,219 of tax and a $12,644 penalty.
- 2020: $27,421 of tax and a $5,484 penalty.
- 2021: $39,910 of tax and a $7,982 penalty.
Judge and IRS agreed on the method: influencer work is a trade or business, or it is not.
Suleiman Sami v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2026-69 (Aug. 18, 2026): three years of event tickets recast as marketing after charitable deductions failed.