How Do Taxes Work For Bloggers?

Are you a blogger? Read on to learn how taxes work for you. Do you make money from your blog and live in the United States? If so, you should be claiming your blog income on your tax returns. As a blogger, there are certain deductions you can take on your tax return to lower your tax debt. If money from your blog makes up your sole source of income, you should take advantage of the deductions.

Additionally, there are tax deductions for bloggers who work out of their own home. Before attempting to claim these deductions, it’s best to seek the advice of a tax professional. The tax experts at Platinum Tax Defenders will ensure you qualify for any applicable deductions based on your tax situation. Read on for a list of tax deductions you should be aware of if you’re a professional blogger.

Tax Help for Bloggers: Internet Usage Costs

As a blogger, you can deduct any Internet-related expenses as it relates to your blogging business. Bills and costs that you may be able to deduct from your income taxes include:

• Fees associated with hosting your blog online
• Registration fees for maintaining your domain name
• Fees for accessing the Internet
• Blogging software costs 
• Content (such as photos and music) purchased for your blog

Tax Help for Bloggers: Computer Gear

As a professional blogger, your computer is your primary mode for working. Therefore, there are some costs associated with your computer that you can deduct from your income taxes. Items that you may be able to deduct from your tax returns include:

• Value of your computer
• Necessary computer upgrades, such as memory increases
• Cost of purchasing a new keyboard, mouse, or monitor
• The software you use for photo editing, accounting, or tax preparation
• Web camera
• Digital camera

Tax Help for Bloggers: Expenses for Communicating with Clients

As a blogger, you will likely have clients with whom you communicate. To communicate with those clients, you’ll need items such as a phone. There are communications items that you may be able to deduct from your taxes as a blogger. Many of the communications-related tools you use to operate your blog may be deductible, including:

• Fax machine
• Cell phone calls
• Long-distance calls
• Purchase of device and monthly plan for your smartphone

Tax Help for Bloggers: Office Equipment

Even though you’re not going into an office every day, you may still need office supplies. As a freelance blogger, there are office supplies that may be tax-deductible.

• Traditional office items
• Your desk
• Chairs
• Lights
• File cabinets

Tax Help for Bloggers: Writing Supplies and Stationary

Paper supplies for your office can add up quickly. Moreover, when you’re working as a freelance blogger, every penny you spend counts. Make sure you are deducting as much as you can from your taxes. Getting into back tax debt as a freelancer is not a good idea. Your tax bill can be less daunting if you keep receipts for all items purchased concerning your business. Things that you can deduct are:

• Business cards
• Letterhead
• Envelopes
• Paper clips
• Staplers and staples
• Paper
• Post-it notes
• Filing folders

Can I deduct marketing expenses spent on my blog?

Are you spending money advertising, promoting, and designing marketing materials for your blog? You should, because how else people will come across your excellent food or travel blog? If you’re spending any money on marketing your blog, you can deduct that as well. Most bloggers invest in design, advertising, and promotions each year. Below is a list of applicable expenses you may be able to deduct from next year’s taxes. Make sure you’re keeping all receipts and contact the experts at Platinum Tax Defenders if you need help.

• Blog design (custom blog, header)
• Advertising design
• Logo, letterhead design
• Advertising placement
• Contest prizes, if applicable 
• Promotional giveaways
• Paid site submissions
• Search engine optimization (SEO) services

You can deduct travel and entertainment costs spent on your blog

If you are spending any money on entertainment or travel for your blog, you can write that off. Are you traveling to a new city for a story, and paying for part of the trip? You can write that off. Did you go to a new restaurant to write about it and buy your meal? You can also write that off. If you attend blogging conferences or meetings, you can likely deduct those expenses as well. Below is a list of some expenses you can deduct as a blogger:

• Fees to attend conferences
• Entertainment for clients you take out for blog-related business
• Transportation when it relates to blog-related business

Continuing Education and Professional Association Memberships and Periodicals

As a blogger, you want to make sure you’re staying up to date on the latest tips and trends. Many bloggers belong to professional organizations related to their blog topic. Some also belong to professional associations related to blogging itself. Additionally, periodicals and books you purchase to help you learn and grow may be deductible. If that’s you, there are some items you may be able to deduct next tax season.

• Professional association dues
• Money spent on books, magazines, or online subscriptions
• Professional website memberships

Tax Help for Bloggers: Do you work in a shared office space? You can write that off

If you rent a shared workplace to work from, you may be able to deduct the rent on your tax return. Additionally, if you work from home, you can deduct household bills for the space in which you conduct business. Read on for a list of home and office expenses you can deduct on your next tax returns:

• Rent
• Water
• Natural gas
• Security

Additional Expenses you can Write off as a Blogger

There are many other expenses you can deduct on your tax returns as a blogger. As your Platinum Tax Defenders tax expert about deducting the following on your tax return:

• Paying to use photos owned by another person
• Headshots
• Postage
• P.O. Box
• Safe deposit box
• Fees for professional services such as a lawyer or accountant

Are you a blogger? Contact Platinum Tax Defenders for tax help today

For anyone operating their own business, it’s highly advisable to seek the advice of a tax professional. The experts at Platinum Tax Defenders can help you navigate the tricky business of filing taxes as a blogger. Platinum Tax Defenders can also help you with tax resolution services if you get into back tax trouble. Call the experts at Platinum Tax Defenders today for a free consultation.