Totally Honest Tax Tips for Writers
by Sandy Cathcart

Reviewed by Kelly Huckaby

Math is not my thing—I like to write, not crunch numbers. I'm pretty good at organizing and filing, but not when it comes to accounting. Yet, as a self-employed, part-time writer, I need to know how to better handle accounting-related tasks in order to ensure proper filing of tax returns.

With April 15th a distant memory, it seemed a perfect time to get serious about keeping track of my business expenses and income. Totally Honest Tax Tips for Writers, proved the perfect tool to do just that. It does a wonderful job of laying tax preparation requirements all out, from showing what the IRS looks for as proof of a writing business, to providing forms for keeping track of business expenses.

Written by Sandy Cathcart, a freelance writer and former licensed tax preparer in Oregon, the user-friendly guide encompasses four sections: Tips, Income, Deductions and Record Keeping. These, coupled with colored-pages, lists, and an addendum of five useful forms, make the comb-binding booklet well worth the $10.00 price—you'll earn the money back within the first year by keeping better records and gaining more deductions. After reading Totally Honest Tax Tips for Writers I now know whether I should claim my writing activity as a hobby or business. I'm ready for next year!

How about you? Are you keeping good records and taking all the deductions you're legally entitled to? Most writers know about meal and travel expenses being deductible, but did you know business gifts you give can be deducted, too? For additional tips on keeping good business records, check out Totally Honest Tax Tips for Writers.