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RANT 'O THE WEEK: Taxes by WritersCollege.com Director Steve Morrill
Last newsletter, I wrote about planning your writing for this year. This time, let's talk about taxes. And, first, I admit to being a little weird on the subject. I actually believe in taxes. Oh, I don't like the way they're collected but that's a technical detail. I mean that I think it's a citizen duty, part of the social contract, to support the government for the overall good. I have little patience for knee-jerk tax-cutting, tax-shifting politicians who seem to be saying, "Elect me and I'll make someone else pull your share of the load." And I think that everyone should pay at least some tax, however little. Telling a poor person that he owes no tax is like telling that person he no longer counts. It's paternalistic and insulting.
I realize this makes me a loathsome person. I just have to live with the shame.
I once told my local congressman, who at the time was chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, that I actually paid more tax than I could prove that I owed. He gave me an odd look and allowed as he had never heard that one before. But it's because I take on some money "below the radar" in cash or small checks that aren't likely to ever be counted. I count it.
As writers, we can claim our activities to be a business if—and it's a big if—we actually earn money at it, actually treat it as a business. Most writers will not make more money at this than they spend and that's fine. As hobbies go, it's a cheap one and maybe the brain stimulation will ward off Alzheimer's later on.
(Or, do crossword puzzles, as they say. Suspicious logic, that: People who do crossword puzzles don't have Alzheimer's. Well, duh! People running marathons and not coughing up their lungs don't have tuberculosis, either, but we don't tout running as the cure for TB. Whatever...)
Assuming you are among the few who can claim to earn more money from writing than you pay for the privilege of associating with the rest of us, here are some items to consider deducting:
Home office. This is a biggie because it amounts to a portion of your mortgage or rent, utilities, maintenance and insurance.
Auto mileage/expenses. You may take a standard deduction based upon mileage used for writing "work." To do this, keep a separate mileage log. (You can also keep a full log of all auto expenses and, maybe, get a bigger deduction. It's a pain, though.)
Phone, computer, etc. It's best to have a separate "office" phone. If you use one phone for writing, personal use, teenage daughter chat, forget writing it off. The computer, likewise, must be for business use only. Give the old one to your kids.
Computer programs you need to do your job. Cost of the modem. Among the programs that are deductible is the tax-preparation program. (And it's deductible off of Schedule A, not the Schedule C you use for business. and so is available to anyone.)
Postage can be significant if you are mailing around heavy manuscripts. Fortunately, for most things today, email has bypassed the Post Office. I also deduct my PO box rent, though.
Dues for writing organizations or even for other organizations you must be a part of in order to earn your daily bread.
Books or magazines or whatever you have to buy as part of your writing job. But a newspaper subscription might be considered personal.
Professional assistance might be a tax preparer, a lawyer, a writing teacher for your online school, anyone who charges you money as part of your writing work.
I'm sure there are more writing-business deductions, I just cant think of those right now. I haven't done my taxes yet.
SCHOOL
NEWS:Price increase.
I have raised prices for our courses. I realize that in a downturned economy this is hardly the time to do this, but my fine teachers have been waiting a looong time for a raise and they deserve it. And we're 'way underpriced as it is. The increase is a small one and I trust that you will understand the need.
Prices have increased from the present $25/week (i.e. a four-week course costs $100) to $30 per week. So prices would increase as follows:
Course Length
Current Prices
New Prices
4-week course
standard course $100
extended version* $125
standard course $120
extended version* $150
6-week course
standard course $150
extended version*$188
standard course $180
extended version* $224
8-week course
standard course $200
extended version* $250
standard course $240
extended version* $300
* Extended courses merely have twice as many weeks to do the lessons and homework. There's no extra material offered but our students are busy adults with real lives too, and so we make available the option.
FEATURED
COURSES: (Also see our homepage for daily featured courses)
Are you ready to plunge into the pool of flash fiction? Be prepared to hold your breath! Although the water appears shallow, the emotional impact of this writing form boasts depths rivaling the high seas of longer fiction.
Develop a basic knowledge of the internet, how it functions, how web sites are made, and the steps necessary to build your own web site. Learn how easy it is to have your web presence!
Being able to take photos, or find photos, to accompany your writing can help sell the story, keep control over your work, and even earn you extra money.
What you need to know before you write to help you write like a pro from Day One. Dump your fears; get control of your writing. Here are the steps to help you build a solid foundation for everything you write.
The Writer Beware is a good place to keep upo on the worst of teh scammers out there.
WHO's
DOING WHAT: Send me your news.
Stephen Morrill, WritersCollege.com's Maximum Leader, is thinking about mowing his lawn. He may tweet it to his bazillion friends on twitter. If your writing news is more interesting , let us know. please.
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