What Indie Authors Can Write Off During Tax Season

Hey fellow indie authors! If you're anything like me, tax season can feel overwhelming. We pour our hearts into our stories, but when it’s time to deal with numbers, things get tricky. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that there are plenty of expenses we can write off. These deductions can make a huge difference—so let’s talk about what you can (and should) claim.
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1. Home Office Deduction
If you write from home, you may be eligible for a home office deduction. The space must be exclusively used for your writing or book-related activities. For me, that’s a corner in my living room, where I brainstorm, edit, and work on promotions.

• What to claim: Rent or mortgage interest (a portion), utilities, internet, and maintenance.
• Tip: Measure the space you use for writing, then calculate the percentage of your home it takes up. That’s the portion you can deduct.

2. Office Supplies and Equipment
Anything you use to write or manage your author business can be deducted. Think notebooks, pens, printers, laptops—yes, even your favorite writing chair.

• Claimable items: Pens, journals, printer paper, ink, staplers, or big-ticket purchases like laptops and desks.
• Pro tip: If it's over $2,500, check whether it needs to be depreciated over a few years instead of claimed in full.

3. Software and Subscriptions
Do you use Scrivener, Grammarly, or Adobe products? Any software that makes your writing life easier can be deducted. For me, these tools are essential to keeping my books polished.

• Eligible deductions: Word processors, editing tools, website hosting fees, domain names, and even Canva or subscription-based research services.

4. Marketing and Promotion Costs
Marketing can eat up a huge chunk of an author’s budget, so it’s great that we can deduct most of these expenses.

• What to include: Facebook or Amazon ads, book giveaways, email marketing services, book launch parties, and business cards.
• Don’t forget: If you paid for a virtual assistant or PR services, that counts too.

5. Travel Expenses
I’ve attended conferences, book fairs, and author signings—and all these travel-related costs are deductible. This includes airfare, hotels, meals, and transportation.

• Make sure: The trip must be primarily for business purposes. AND make note that you can travel for research and write that off as well.
• Pro tip: Keep records. Use an app or keep a travel log for mileage if you’re driving to local book events. I'm a true millennial, so I write everything down. 

6. Professional Services
Sometimes, we need a little help to make our books shine. Whether you hired a freelance editor, cover designer, or accountant, these services are fully deductible.

• Examples: Editors, graphic designers, narrators for audiobooks, and accountants (especially the ones who help with taxes).

7. Education and Research Expenses
Taking courses to improve your writing craft or learn about self-publishing? You can write off these expenses. Even books you buy for research or writing reference count.

• Examples: Online courses, workshops, writing retreats, and books about writing.
• Pro tip: Save receipts for any materials you purchase related to research—you’ll thank yourself later.

8. Self-Employment Taxes and Health Insurance Premiums
As indie authors, we’re considered self-employed. That means we have to pay both employer and employee sides of Social Security and Medicare. Luckily, we can deduct some of those payments. If you pay for your own health insurance, you can also deduct those premiums. If you have a day job (like me) this won't fully apply.

9. Bank Fees and Business Expenses
If you opened a separate bank account for your author business, the fees associated with that account are deductible. Payment processing fees from platforms like PayPal or Stripe also count.

• Examples: Bank fees, credit card processing fees, and business licenses or permits.

10. Printing and Publishing Costs
Whether you’re publishing your book through KDP, IngramSpark, or a local printer, those costs are tax-deductible. This also includes the cost of ISBNs.

• What to include: Printing proofs, distribution fees, and cover design services.

Keeping track of expenses throughout the year is key. I’ve learned that keeping a spreadsheet and using apps like QuickBooks makes tax time much easier. If you’re not comfortable navigating self-employed taxes, it’s worth investing in an accountant—another deductible expense.

Remember, every dollar saved can go toward your next book. So don’t leave money on the table. The IRS recognizes that being an indie author is a business, and it’s time we treat it like one.

Good luck out there, and happy writing! 📚

P.S. This is just what I’ve learned from my own experience, so always check with a tax professional to make sure you’re taking advantage of every deduction that applies to your situation. You’ve got this!