23 tax write-offs for independent writers
Whether you're an indie author, a freelance journalist, or a content writer for a site like Compose.ly, writing can be a fun and fulfilling way to pay the bills. One potential downside? Doing your taxes. Luckily, Keeper is here to help. Start by looking at all the easy tax write-offs you might be missing! Keep track of these, and you might just see a good chunk of that money come right back at tax time.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, or set assistance to help you, write it off!
Word and other editing software are 100% necessary for your job, write it off!
Pay to be a member of any writers organizations? Write off that annual fee.
Write off any books that help you manage your business or that are relevant to your field!
A new computer, cell phone, keyboard, printer, monitor, mouse, it all counts!
Website hosting fees, plugins, stock photos, and themes are tax deductible!
Your monthly phone bills are expensive! Good thing the cost is partially deductible.
Every dollar you spend on Facebook Ads, Google Adwords, etc. is a tax deductible expense!
If you've had to set up an LLC or have other legal fees for work, that's tax deductible.
If you are self-employed, you can write off your medical and dental insurance coverage.
If PayPal or another payment method charged a fee for buying your book, write it off!
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Conferences and classes that help you keep up with the industry are tax deductible.
Storage to handle heavy digital files (business related) such as Dropbox or a hard drive.
If you write about ancient Greece and buy an urn, it's deductible! (and weird)
Find write-offs.
File taxes.
Keeper helps independent contractors and freelancers discover tax deductions and file taxes.
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Gas is expensive! A portion of your gas station fill ups are tax-deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
Car insurance, roadside assistance, registration costs, etc. are all tax-deductible.
Parking for a meeting downtown or other work trip is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you drive your own vehicle, you can write off the annual depreciation of its value!
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write offs.
Your Wi-Fi bill is a tax write off. You need internet to do your job!
Whether rental or homeowner insurance, you can write off a portion as part of home office.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Whether you pay rent or own your home, a portion of those expenses are tax deductible.
If you discuss work with a coworker, client, or even a friend, it's a write-off!
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses like hotel rooms and Airbnbs are write-offs.
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
