Creator bookkeeping: five payout streams, one bank statement

Worked example: one July

The tool ships a synthetic statement for a creator (fixtures/creator-checking.csv): five payouts and five costs. Every line gets a suggested account with no rules taught.

Platform payouts are usually net of the platform's cut, so the deposit understates what your audience paid; compare with each platform's earnings report. Quarterly estimated tax is worth planning for: the tool's estimate command works from these books.

What the tool does for a creator

1. Imports the bank CSV and suggests Sales for AdSense, YouTube, Twitch, Substack, Beehiiv, Patreon, Gumroad, Ko-fi, Lemon Squeezy, Teachable and affiliate networks.
2. Files the tools (editing, podcast hosting, email, stock audio) as software and gear as supplies.
3. Reports a P&L, Schedule C worksheet and self-employment tax estimate, and exports QuickBooks, Xero or IIF journals.

Rules are written from the platforms' names; no real creator's statement has been tried.

Questions

Is AdSense, Patreon or Substack money income when it lands in my bank?

Yes, as self-employment sales (Schedule C line 1 in the US). Platforms pay on their own schedule and sometimes hold back tax or fees, so compare the deposit with the platform's statement and the 1099 it issues.

Do I count the camera and microphone as an expense?

Usually, if they are for the business. A $349 purchase is an expense this year in the tool's chart (supplies); larger gear may be depreciated or expensed under a safe harbour, so check with a tax professional. Personal-use share is not deductible.

Is it free?

Yes. It is open source (MIT), runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.