by Suzanne Rose

Created on: July 16, 2010

There are many expenses that freelance writers have.  It is good to be aware of these because some of them might be tax deductible.  The following are some of these costs.

Most freelance writers work off of a computer.  There are many expenses associated with this.  First is the cost of the actual computer itself.  Many people replace their computers every so often because of the rapid changes in technology so this can be a cost that reoccurs.  In addition, a lot of freelance writers will purchase a laptop computer in addition to their desktop.  They might want something that they can take with them to do their freelance work while on the go.  For instance, they could take it to do work while sitting in a doctor's office waiting room, while waiting for the child at soccer practice, while waiting to pick up their child from school, etc.  They may even bring it to work on the road if they are going on a long road tip and someone else is driving.  They might write while on a bus, train or plane.

Freelance writers also need a lot of peripheral equipment.  They may get a better monitor, keyboard and mouse to make it easier to write.  They may need a good printer and the ongoing costs associated with that such as ink and paper.  In addition, they will need to pay for the cost of the Internet, which for most is a monthly charge.  Some people may also pay to have Internet on the go.  There are cell phones that connect allow one to use it as a wireless point for their laptops.

Many freelance writers have a home office and they incur the costs associated with that.  For instance, they might need desk to work at.  They will need common office supplies such as pens, pencils, staplers, paperclips, tape, etc.  They may need a nice desk chair since they will be writing for so long.  They may need an office lamp.  They may need filing cabinets and other office furniture.  They might need a good phone system.  They may also pay for long distance for when they talk to people for whom they are doing freelance work. 

There are many costs associated with being a freelance writer.  You should keep track of all of your expenses so that you have it to give to the accountant when it comes time to do your taxes.

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