Stop! This Van Life Tax Advice Will Get You Audited (From an Enrolled Agent)

Can you really deduct your van as a business expense? I'm an Enrolled Agent who lives van life full-time, and I'm here to debunk the biggest tax myths circulating in the van life community—especially the Section 179 loophole that's getting people into trouble.

In this video, I break down:
✓ Why most vanlifers CAN'T deduct their van purchase
✓ The Section 179 myth and when it actually applies
✓ What "business use" really means for the IRS
✓ Why content creators can't write off their van (even if it's their "set")
✓ The Top 5 tax deductions that ACTUALLY work for nomadic business owners
✓ How to track mileage correctly (DoorDash/Uber example included)

Whether you're W-2, self-employed, or living on Social Security, this video will help you understand what the IRS actually allows—so you can make confident financial decisions and avoid audit red flags.

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
Van Life Economy Notebook (record-keeping, deductions, audit triggers): → https://www.thevanlifestylist.com/sto...
FREE Confident Solo Safety Checklist for Women 45+: → https://www.thevanlifestylist.com/sol...
Last Week's Video: Domicile vs Residence for Nomads →    • Domicile vs Residence for Nomads: Avoid Th...  

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - The Van Deduction Myth That's Everywhere
1:37 - Understanding Your Employment Situation
3:17 - The Content Creator Misconception
5:51 - What IS Legitimate Business Use?
6:59 - Mixed Use & Documentation Requirements
7:38 - The Section 179 Myth EXPLAINED
9:21 - Top 5 Deductions That Actually Work
11:03 - My Advice: Don't Guess, Know
12:00 - Resources & Next Week's Video

⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER
I am an Enrolled Agent credentialed by the U.S. Treasury, but I am not YOUR personal tax advisor. This video is for general educational purposes only and is not personal tax advice. Tax laws are complex and change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional who understands your specific situation before making tax-related decisions. Nothing in this video should be construed as professional tax advice for your individual circumstances.

🚐 ABOUT THE VAN LIFESTYLIST
I'm Catina—full-time solo vanlifer, Enrolled Agent, and founder of The Van Lifestylist. I help aspiring and current vanlifers confidently navigate the practical, financial, and logistical realities of life on the road. Function over fashion. Foundations over aesthetics.

Currently, I’m stationary for tax season, but normally traveling in a Toyota Sienna minivan with my 9lb dog, Henry. Upgrading to a Ram ProMaster with Roadloft conversion kit in Spring 2026.
🔗 Website: https://www.thevanlifestylist.com
📘 Facebook:   / thevanlifestylist  
📧 Email: Catina@TheVanLifestylist.com

💬 LET'S CONNECT
Have tax questions? Drop them in the comments! I can't give personal advice, but I can address common scenarios in future videos.

If this video helped you understand van life taxes better, please share it with another vanlifer who needs to hear the truth. The misinformation out there is rampant—let's spread accurate info instead.

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#VanLifeTaxes #Section179 #VanLifeMyths #TaxDeductions #EnrolledAgent #VanLife #DigitalNomadTaxes #SelfEmployedTaxes #IRSRules #VanLifeBusiness

💲 If you enjoy my videos, send me a tip! Henry and I would appreciate it.
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