Can you write off a laptop for websites and YouTube uploads?

Yes — a laptop used for managing websites and making YouTube uploads can often be deducted, but only to the extent it’s used for an actual business and only for the business-use portion.

Here’s the practical rule of thumb:

• Business use: If you use the laptop for website work, editing, uploading, thumbnails, email, bookkeeping, and similar tasks for a business, that portion may be deductible.
• Personal use: You can’t deduct the personal portion.
• Business vs. hobby: Whether your activity counts as a business or a hobby depends on your specific facts and circumstances, and that affects whether deductions are allowed.

Common ways it’s handled:

• If you’re self-employed, the deduction is often claimed on Schedule C.
• If the laptop is mostly for business, you may be able to expense it or depreciate it, depending on your facts and current tax rules.
• If it’s mixed-use, you usually deduct only the business percentage.
• Section 179 can apply in some cases, but eligibility depends on your facts and the current IRS limits.
• A de minimis safe harbor may allow immediate expensing in some situations, but the exact threshold and eligibility depend on current IRS rules and your filing situation.

One important correction: the “profit in 3 of 5 years” idea is not a strict requirement. It’s more of a common IRS presumption that can help show business intent, but it isn’t the only factor.

So the short answer is: yes, potentially — but only the business-use part, and only if your website/YouTube activity is a bona fide business. Keep good records of how you use the laptop.

Tax rules can change, so it’s smart to confirm the current IRS rules or ask a tax professional before filing.