Tax Tips for Authors

Updated January 2014 for use in preparing 2013 tax returns. Now includes new methodology for home office deduction and a special section for self-published authors.


Writers, are you stymied by Schedule C and self-employment tax? Not sure you’re getting all the deductions you deserve, or uncertain precisely what the IRS allows?


This book is a compilation of a 10-lecture online course taught each spring especially for writers, focusing on exactly what you need to know to file your tax return accurately, and with the most comprehensive deductions list for writers, published or not. Written by both an author and a tax preparer, this book provides expert knowledge that usually costs hundreds of dollars in tax prep fees.


Chapters include:

Legal Issues: Licenses, Company Structure, EIN

Hobby vs. Business

How to Tackle the Schedule C

Schedule C Part II: What Expenses Are Deductible?

Home Office Deduction

Self-Employment Tax

Quarterly Estimated Payments

Unpublished Authors

Self-Published Authors

FAQ