As a professional photographer in Delaware, forming an LLC can offer significant tax advantages and liability protection. This guide outlines key tax considerations for your photography LLC in 2026, helping you navigate federal and Delaware-specific regulations. If you're exploring this further, our guide on starting a business in Delaware is a helpful next step. Lovie can help streamline the formation process and manage ongoing compliance, ensuring you focus on your craft, not paperwork.
An LLC offers pass-through taxation, meaning profits are taxed at the individual level rather than the corporate level. This avoids double taxation. You can elect to be taxed as an S-Corp for potential self-employment tax savings if your business grows. For a deeper dive, see our resource on the Delaware LLC filing process. Delaware also levies a franchise tax on LLCs, regardless of profitability.
Single-member LLCs pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus income tax on all net profits, reported on Schedule C of the owner's personal tax return.
Deduct expenses for the portion of your home exclusively used for your photography business.
Deduct the cost of cameras, lenses, lighting, and other equipment over their useful life. Elect to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it's placed in service (subject to limits).
Pay estimated federal income tax to avoid penalties.
Pay estimated self-employment tax to cover Social Security and Medicare. File and pay gross receipts tax if your business exceeds the threshold.
Start your formation with Lovie — $499 one-time, state filing fee included.
State-specific formation guides, cost breakdowns, compliance checklists, and expert comparisons — updated for 2026.