4 Tips on Filing Taxes for Your U.S. Writing Biz

• Tax forms self-published authors must file
As a published author, you’ll have to pay taxes on your earnings from book sales. If a self-published author in the United States, you are a self-proprietor, and that means you’ll need to fill out some additional forms with the IRS.

• Writers can deduct home office space on taxes
Most indie writers work out of their home rather than rent or own office space. Fortunately, expenses related to running a self-publishing/writing business out of your home can be deducted on Federal income taxes. 

• Indie authors can deduct vehicle expenses
Indie authors can deduct the expense of operating and maintaining their car or truck on federal taxes should they use a vehicle to research their books. 

• Indie writers also can use depreciation on taxes
When you start or operate a business, you almost certainly will have to acquire equipment and other property. Even for indie authors who have very few business items – such as a desk and a computer – some of this can be deducted from your Federal taxes.