Translators & Localization
Translation services, subtitles, dubbing, and localization for reaching international audiences.
Tax Form
Schedule C, Line 17
Estimated Savings
$200-5,000/year
Best for
Income Level
How It Works
Translation and localization services help content creators reach global audiences. This includes professional translators, subtitle services, dubbing, caption translation, and localization of your content into different languages. These are contractor expenses that help expand your business reach internationally.
IRS Rules & Requirements
- Translation services are deductible as professional services
- Must issue 1099-NEC if paying US-based translators $600+ per year
- Foreign contractors don't require 1099-NEC but keep payment records
- Subtitle and captioning services also qualify
- Keep contracts and invoices showing services performed
Real Examples
Professional subtitle translation for 50 videos at $50 each = $2,500 deduction
Dubbing services for Spanish audience = fully deductible
Freelance translator for video descriptions = fully deductible
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to issue 1099-NEC for US-based translators paid $600+
- Not keeping invoices for foreign contractor payments
- Missing deduction for AI translation tool subscriptions
- Not deducting subtitle software subscriptions
Pro Tip
Investing in translation expands your addressable audience dramatically. Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, and Japanese translations often have the highest ROI for English-language creators.
Related Deductions
Contract Labor & Freelancers
Editors, thumbnail designers, virtual assistants, and other freelancers.
Video Editing Software
Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and other editing tools.
Advertising & Promotion
Social media ads, sponsored posts, promotional materials, and marketing costs.
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