Madeleine White Clears the Air on Influencers and Luxury Tax Write-Offs

1 October 2025

Madeleine White. Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage

Madeleine White has taken it upon herself to dismantle a misconception that has been circulating across social media about the glamorous world of influencers and what qualifies as a legitimate tax write-off. In a TikTok video shared on her secondary account, the fashion and lifestyle influencer confronted a recurring question she said kept appearing under her content and, as she put it, was “actually pissing me off.” At the center of the debate is whether influencers can simply write off the cost of expensive items they showcase in their videos or during unboxings. White’s answer was clear: no, they cannot.

White explained that the notion influencers can deduct any clothing, shoes, or luxury purchases purely because they feature them online is misleading. “No, influencers cannot write things off because they put it in a whole video or they did an unboxing,” she said bluntly. While she acknowledged that some creators may attempt it, she cautioned that if those individuals are ever audited, they would likely be required to pay that money back. This statement strikes at the heart of a belief many hold about influencer life: that it comes with financial loopholes allowing creators to live lavishly while deducting nearly everything as a business expense.

She elaborated by pointing out the difference between personal and professional use, emphasizing that to qualify for a business deduction, the expense must be strictly for work and provably so. For example, she said a uniform required for a job can be written off because it serves no personal purpose. In contrast, a plain black T-shirt, even if worn in a video, cannot be considered a business expense since there is no way to prove it was never used outside of work. This reasoning extends, according to White, to even the most glamorous items. “That even goes for gowns to red carpet events,” she revealed, noting that unless it is impossible to repurpose for personal use, it does not meet the IRS standard.

Her clarification addresses an important distinction in the blurred line between work and lifestyle for influencers. Social media has created a new era where the personal often overlaps with the professional, but tax authorities still hold to traditional guidelines. Simply showcasing a Chanel bag in a video does not make it a deductible business tool in the eyes of the law.

White also gave a nod to her business manager, who ensures that she remains compliant with these rules. The only purchases she confirmed can be written off are those that fall squarely into the professional category, such as production costs, certain travel expenses, or the tools directly tied to the business side of content creation. The message was both a clarification for her followers and a warning to influencers who might be under the false impression that they can deduct their shopping hauls as work-related costs.

Her frank tone underscores the broader conversation about the influencer economy and its perceived glamor. Many outside the industry often assume that influencers enjoy unchecked perks, but White’s video reminds audiences that the same tax codes that govern traditional professions apply here too. What influencers purchase, flaunt, and use may be content, but that does not mean it bypasses the rules.

The influencer world is often portrayed as a blend of luxury and endless opportunity, but White’s comments highlight a less glamorous side: the responsibilities and limits behind the curtain. For someone with a strong following who documents fashion and lifestyle, her honesty not only clarifies her personal stance but also provides valuable insight for others navigating the same career path.

In an industry constantly evolving, where the boundaries of personal and professional are continually tested, her words stand as a reminder of the real-world regulations that keep even the flashiest jobs grounded. By addressing the issue head-on, White may have disappointed those who believed influencer life allowed endless write-offs, but she also reinforced a more authentic perspective on the balance between business and pleasure in her profession.