👋🏽 Doors Opening

Hey! Welcome to Creator Economy NYC — the premier hub where the creator economy connects, learns, and thrives.

This is our 70th newsletter! That’s how many weeks in a row we’ve shown up in your inbox — and we haven’t missed a beat. Woah. Thank you for being here. It means the world.

Next week, I hope to see many of you in person at our event with Notion. But this week? We’re diving into everyone’s favorite topic… taxes.

We’re recapping last week’s virtual event with Karat and breaking down the tips every creator should know as we head into the April 15 deadline.

Let’s get into it.

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✍️ Spotlight

You’ve got 5 days until Tax Day. Here’s what to know.

Last week, we hosted our a virtual Creator Economy NYC event with Karat to talk about what might be the least exciting — but most necessary — part of being a creator: taxes.

I'll be honest: I'm still figuring all this out too. I've got a CPA, I'm in the middle of tax prep, and I'm learning right alongside you. That's why this event felt so timely — and why I wanted to share the key takeaways with all of you, creator-to-creator.

If you missed it, here's what stood out the most:

First things first: If you haven't filed yet, file an extension.

Taxes are due Tuesday, April 15, but if you're not ready, don't stress. You can file an extension for free and get six more months to submit. It doesn't mean you're off the hook for payment — just that you have time to pull your paperwork together properly.

You're supposed to be paying quarterly (no one tells you this part)

If you're a creator or solopreneur, the IRS expects you to estimate and pay taxes four times a year. When April 15 rolls around, it's just when you file the paperwork — but technically, you were supposed to already have paid most of what you owe.

There's no HR department doing it for you. It's on you.

Rule of thumb: Set aside 20–30% of what you earn to cover taxes.

What counts as a write-off?

This was the juiciest part of the workshop (and the questions were flying). A few key rules:

• If it's ordinary and necessary for your work — like props, software, equipment — you can probably write it off.

• If it's mixed use (like your apartment or car), you can write off a portion.

• If it's clearly personal, don't try it. Not worth it.

Here are a few examples we covered:

Should I set up an LLC or S-Corp?

This is where I'm at right now, and the answer is: it depends.

• LLC: Gives you legal protection. Doesn't save you money on taxes on its own. You should probably have one if you're making $10-15K+ and want to keep things clean.

• S-Corp: Can save you money on self-employment taxes — but only if you're making $80–100K+ per year. You'll need to run payroll and deal with extra paperwork, so don't rush it.

Oh — and if you're based in NYC (like many of us), S-Corps get taxed a little differently here. It's still worth exploring, but talk to a CPA before you make the jump.

What about state taxes?

For those of you splitting time between NYC and elsewhere (I see you, digital nomads), you'll likely need to pay taxes in each state where you earn income. New York, California, and New Jersey are particularly aggressive about this.

Several of you asked about incorporating in Wyoming or Delaware for tax purposes — unfortunately, where you incorporate doesn't change where you pay taxes. It's about where you actually live and work.

Tools that make life easier

The biggest takeaway for me? Separate your finances. Get a business bank account and credit card ASAP. This accomplishes three things:

1. Protects your personal assets

2. Makes tracking expenses 1000% easier

3. Helps you actually know your numbers for business decisions

A few resources:

• Karat: They build financial tools specifically for creators (banking, credit cards, automated tax savings).

• ​Get our workshop recording + slides: here

• Snag your free tax guide: here

Final thoughts

I know this stuff isn't fun. But it is necessary if you want to build something sustainable — and avoid letters from the IRS.

If you've got questions, you're not alone. Hit reply. DM me. Ask Kevin. Ask your creator friends. We're all figuring this out together.

This is part of being a business now. And the more we understand it, the more confident we'll be building our creator empires.

Hope to see many of you at our next in-person event on April 15th (yes, tax day — we'll all need a drink).

Let's keep building.

 🎪 City Happenings

MIXER & PANEL: Talking Creator Tools (4/15)

We’re teaming up with our friends at Notion for a special night celebrating the launch of their first-ever creator program AND the launch of Notion Mail!

Join us for an evening of drinks, light bites, and good conversation — featuring an insightful panel diving into the tools, workflows, and systems that power today’s top creators:

Gabby Beckford, Shervin Shares, Julia Fei and Brandon Smithwrick! Moderated by me 🙂 

Shoutout to our supporting partners — and favorite tools — Teachable and beehiiv.

 🤝 CONNECT Conference - May 10th

Just announced: CONNECT keynote speaker

I’m excited to officially announce the keynote speaker for our very first Creator Economy NYC conference on May 10 — the LEGEND Timm Chiusano is taking the stage.

On May 10, we’re bringing together creators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for our first in-person conference. Meet us in Brooklyn for an unforgettable day of inspiration, learning, and connection.

And because you’re here, you get EARLY BIRD ticket access. Use code: EBCONNECT below.

 📝 A quick survey

Creators: MOFT has a gift for YOU

Take this quick 3-minute survey and help MOFT better understand how modern creators work, move, and create. To say thanks:

• The first 30 respondents will receive a free MOFT Tripod

• Everyone who completes the survey is entered to win a $100 MOFT gift card

• And one especially thoughtful or surprising response will earn a full Creator Kit from Team MOFT

Giveaways open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be contacted by MOFT directly. No purchase necessary. Full details at http://bit.ly/3FT8PcB

 🔊 From the community

Calling Book & Lifestyle Creators:

Reading Rhythms is launching a Creator Collective for creators who love books and want to co-create with publishers and fellow readers.

Expect free event access, publisher connections, author nights, and a passionate creator community.

→ Apply here

Calling Filmmakers & Storytellers:

Creator Camp is hosting a film festival in Austin at the end of the month — a great opportunity to connect, screen work, and meet fellow creators.

→ Register here (use code CENYC for 20% off)

✌🏽 Stand Clear of the Closing Doors Please

Thanks so much for reading! Let’s get after it!

See you next week,

Brett