Tax Deductions Bloggers Should Be Aware Of

If you make money from your blog and you live in the United States, you must claim that income on your tax return every year. But, there are deductions you can take as a blogger to lower your tax liability, particularly if it's your sole source of income. Other deductions exist for bloggers who work out of their own homes. While it's always best to seek the advice of a tax professional to ensure you qualify for any and all deductions based on your individual tax situation, the following is a list of deductions you should be aware of as you prepare your tax return.

Generally, you're allowed to deduct expenses considered reasonable and necessary to your profession, according to Turbo Tax. If you work from home, you may be able to deduct some of your household expenses as well, including rent and utilities. But, the IRS won't allow the deductions if your blogging is classified as a hobby.

01

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Internet-Related Expenses

Two people filling out a contract — Rob Daly / Getty Images

As a blogger, you may be able to deduct a portion of your internet-related expenses, including:

Hosting fees
Domain name registration fees
Internet access fees
Blogging software fees
Image or music downloads

02

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Computer Equipment

Working at home office with laptop — Westend61 / Getty Images

You may be able to deduct:

Your computer
Upgrades, like new RAM chips or GPUs
A laptop computer
A wireless router
A new keyboard, mouse, and monitor
Software (for example, photo editing software, accounting software, tax preparation software, etc.)
A web camera
A digital camera

03

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Communications-Related Expenses

Young woman texting with smart phone at laptop in office — Hero Images / Getty Images

Many of the communications-related equipment and tools you use to run your blog could be deductible, including:

A second phone line for your business or fax machine
A fax machine
Cellphone calls
Long-distance calls
Your smartphone

04

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Office Equipment

Bright corner office space with desk and chairs — Erik Von Weber / Getty Images

Traditional office items can be deductible, such as:

Your desk
Chairs
Lights
File cabinets

05

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Supplies and Stationery

White office desk table with a lot of things on it — Arijit Mondal / Getty Images

Little supplies can add up quickly. Keep track of the receipts, as these items may be deductible:

Business cards
Letterhead
Envelopes
Paper clips
Staplers and staples
Paper
Post-its
Folders

06

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Advertising, Promotion, and Design

Woman using tablet and pen — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Most bloggers invest in design, advertising, or promotions each year. Remember to deduct applicable expenses such as:

Blog design (custom blog, header)
Advertising design
Logo, letterhead design
Advertising placement
Contest prizes
Promotional giveaways
Paid site submissions
Search engine optimization services

07

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Travel and Entertainment

Businessman with mobile phone looking out airplane window — Hero Images / Getty Images

If you attend blogging conferences or meetings, you can most likely deduct some of the following expenses:

Conference fees
Hotel charges while away on business related to your blog
Dining charges while away on business related to your blog
Entertainment for clients you take out related to your blog
Transportation when it relates to business for your blog

08

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Professional Association Memberships and Periodicals

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Many bloggers belong to professional associations related to their site's topic or to blogging itself. Professional dues may be deductible. Similarly, periodicals and books you purchase to help you learn and grow could be deductible, along with professional website memberships.

09

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Office Space and Related Expenses

Meeting room with glass wall cityscape and sunset — Shannon Fagan / Getty Images

If you conduct your blogging business out of your home, you may be able to deduct the rent for your office space from your tax return. Alternatively, if you work from your home, you may be able to deduct a portion of your household bills for that space if you use it solely to conduct your blogging business. Expenses in this category could include:

Rent
Electricity
Water
Natural gas
Security

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Miscellaneous Other Expenses

Person getting photo taken — Wavebreakmedia / Getty Images

There is a multitude of little out-of-pocket expenses you may be able to deduct as a blogger. Consider deductions for the following as you prepare your tax return:

Costs to reuse photos or images owned by another person or entity
Headshots used on your blog, website, or marketing materials
Postage
A post office box if you use one solely for your blogging business
A safety deposit box if you use one solely for your blogging business
Fees for professional services such as a lawyer or accountant