No one likes paying taxes. But if you're a freelancer, you've got so many more opportunities for tax deductions. That means you paying less in taxes (a.k.a. keeping more money in your pocket). Whether you're in the US or not, you're going to want to listen in. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are running through a list of tax … [Read more...]
Episode 146: Face Your Freelance Finances Fears – with Crystalynn Shelton (CPA)
As copywriters, we’re in control of the words but when it comes to the numbers, things can get a little intimidating. Like anything, numbers become less scary and hold less power over you when you face them head first—and then you can use that information to build an even more lucrative copywriting business! Nicki and Kate are joined by Certified Public Accountant, small … [Read more...]
Websites Copywriters Need to Bookmark
As a copywriter, there’s lots of information we need to stay on top of. Some of that we can get by asking clients or fellow copywriters. But a lot of that information? We can find it ourselves. Just like your time is valuable, so is your clients’ time. You certainly want to reach out when you can’t find information that you need to move forward on a project. But you also … [Read more...]
Should Copywriters Collect Sales Tax?
Many states in the U.S. collect sales tax. Generally, laws allow businesses to add this tax on to whatever good or service they are selling. But, as a copywriter, do you need to collect sales tax? Like many things when starting out as a copywriter, this one can be easy to overthink and worry about. However, it's an easy one to solve. What Is Sales Tax? Sales tax … [Read more...]
Paying Freelance Writer Taxes in 2026
If paying taxes is what’s holding you back from freelancing, there’s some good news: All the “what if’s” and worst-case scenarios you’re thinking are all solvable (and probably not as bad as you think). When you’re working on-staff, your company takes out money from your taxes from your paycheck. But when you’re freelancing and often when you’re contracting, your … [Read more...]
Getting an EIN and Filling Out a W-9
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 … [Read more...]
Ep. 11: Tax and Bookkeeping Tips for Freelance Copywriters
Taxes: if reading that word makes you internally scream, "Ahhhhhh!!!", or if the mere thought of freelance taxes is preventing you from taking action, then this episode is for you. Rachel LaMantia, founder of Masterpiece Bookkeeping, joins Nicki and Kate for this episode. Rachel and her team take the stress, hassle, and guesswork out of bookkeeping for their clients. They … [Read more...]
Accounting Tips for New Copywriters
Freelancing has taken the world by storm. Bringing with it flexible work schedules and a healthier work-life balance, it's no surprise that 73 million Americans are doing some form of freelance work. In fact, 64% of Gen Z want to work for themselves, explaining that they want to chart their own future and have plenty of entrepreneurial traits. But entering the freelance … [Read more...]
Do You Need to Incorporate?
First, a caveat: I am neither an attorney nor an accountant and none of my advice should be taken lieu of talking with a professional. Never let a blog post make your legal decisions for you. Also, all this information is based on U.S. law and law as of the date of publication. (Consult a professional!) That said, this blog post is based on a few facts, my experience, and my … [Read more...]
Copywriter Taxes: Save With These Deductions in 2026
Taxes aren’t anyone’s favorite task—and we could probably include accountants in that group! But as a copywriting professional who likely takes on some amount of freelance work, you need to take your taxes seriously. Here we look at what kinds of deductions your copywriting career can net you. Before we dig in any further, let us be clear: We are not tax preparation or … [Read more...]