Note: We are not legal experts or tax preparation professionals, so always consult an accountant, tax prep professional, or attorney if you have concerns. This information is aimed at copywriters in the United States. Copywriters in other locations may find this information useful for determining what questions they need to ask and answer based on their city, country, or region.
The main step to becoming a successful freelance copywriter is taking action. But too often, legal, tax, and other worries derail even the most promising copywriting careers. Things seem just too hard.
While all the business-y things related to freelancing can seem complicated, they’re really just verrrrry easy to overcomplicate in our minds.
Here’s the good news: all the seemingly endless freelance problems are solvable.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from freelancing copywriters and resources to help you make the best decisions for your business.
- What Business Structure is Best for a Copywriter?
- Do I need to incorporate?
- What is a sole proprietor?
- What if I want to hire employees?
- How Do I Legally Name My Business?
- Do I need to use my name?
- What’s a DBA and do I need one?
- Do my URL and legal business name need to match?
- Do I need to register my business?
- What’s an EIN and do I need one?
- Does it cost money?
- Can I get an EIN as a sole proprietor?
- How Do I Fill Out a W-9?
- Why is my client making me fill one out?
- W-9, W-2, W-4, 1099: What are all these forms?
- How Do I Pay Taxes as a Freelancer?
- Do I have to pay quarterly taxes?
- What’s the self employment tax?
- Aren’t I paying more in taxes?
- Do I Need a Separate Bank Account for My Copywriting Business?
- When do I legally need a business bank account?
- Can I use a separate personal account?
- What about PayPal?
- Do Copywriters Need Insurance?
- Don’t I need general or professional liability insurance?
- What about disability?