28 Tax Deductions for Freelance Writers | Beem

NAICS code: 711510

Whether you are a freelance journalist, an independent author, or a content writer for a site, writing can be fun and a good way to earn a little pocket money and also pay your bills. But you need to do your taxes and here are a few tips you can use to get your tax write-offs.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for freelance writers that you can use to deduct your expenses.

🎨Creative assistance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11
If you need assistance and hire an editor, set assistant, or designer, write it off.
⌨️Writing software
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
Writing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway are tax-deductible. Word processors like Scrivener and transcription software for interviews can also be written off.
📚Educational books
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Books that help you handle and manage your business or books relevant to your field, write them off.
🌐Website & hosting fees
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8
Plugins, stock photos, themes and website hosting fees are all tax deductible.
⚖️Legal fees
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 17
Legal fees paid when setting up your business or drawing up paperwork are deductible.
😎Personal marketing materials
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8
Business cards, postcards, and other materials used to promote yourself are deductible.

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📱Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it’s partially deductible.
📝 Office supplies
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
📱 Social media tools
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.
🖥️Lead generation software
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 Software for CRM, lead generation, or email marketing is a write-off.
🌴Conferences & retreats
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a All conferences and retreats that you attend to enhance your writing and network can be written off.
🔍Research tools
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a Databases, apps, and other tools used to research a topic you’re writing about can be written off.
☁️Data storage
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 If you pay for cloud data storage to store files for work, it’s a write-off.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

Parking
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Tolls
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Car maintenance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 Business meals
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it’s a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, so you can write off your travel costs.

Transportation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Travel lodging
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Meals while traveling
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you’re traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

Home office furniture
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Property repairs
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Power bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Property insurance
Write it off using: Form 8829
Whether it’s rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Water bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
It’d be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!