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Tax and money questions writers and podcasters ask

Straight answers with the forms, thresholds, and deadlines that actually apply. Every page starts with the short answer and ends with what to do about it.

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Answered so far

10

questions for writers and podcasters

Quarterly taxes

How Much Should Newsletter Writers Save For Taxes?

Newsletter writers should save 25 to 30 percent of their net income for taxes, covering the 15.3 percent self-employment tax plus federal income tax. Save closer to 30 to 35 percent if you're in a higher bracket or live in a state with income tax. Set aside money every time you get paid, not at year-end.

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What Happens If Substack Writers Don't Pay Quarterly Taxes?

Substack writers who skip quarterly taxes face an IRS underpayment penalty calculated on Form 2210, plus interest that accrues from each missed due date until paid. There's no jail risk for a first-time miss, but the penalty compounds every quarter you stay behind, and the full balance is still due by April 15.

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How Much Should Substack Writers Save for Taxes?

Substack writers should set aside 25 to 30 percent of net subscription revenue for taxes, since Substack pays out gross with no withholding. That covers roughly 15.3 percent self-employment tax plus federal income tax; add another 3 to 6 percent if your state taxes income. Save from every payout, not just at filing time.

What you get with Amadae

One flat monthly price. Real accountants who know how writers and podcasters get paid.

  • Sponsorships, memberships, and royalties categorized as they land
  • Hosting, gear, and research costs tracked as write-offs monthly
  • Quarterly estimates calculated and set aside before each deadline
  • Your return filed by a real accountant, S-corp math included
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$249/mo

If you make $40K - $69K. Flat, no hourly bills.

  • Monthly profit and loss reports

Stop Googling tax questions between episodes.

Amadae runs the books, the quarterly estimates, and the filing for writers and podcasters, for one flat monthly price.

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Write offs

Can Substack Writers Write Off Travel?

Yes, Substack writers can deduct travel expenses that are ordinary and necessary for running their newsletter business, such as trips to interview sources, attend conferences, or research a story. Deduct on Schedule C using actual costs or the IRS standard mileage rate, and keep receipts plus a record of the business purpose for each trip.

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Can Substack Writers Deduct Health Insurance?

Yes, Substack writers who report income on Schedule C as self-employed can deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums using the self-employed health insurance deduction on Schedule 1, as long as they show a profit and aren't eligible for a spouse's employer-sponsored plan.

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Entity formation

Should Freelance Writers Form an S Corp?

Most freelance writers should consider an S corp only after net self-employment profit consistently exceeds about $40,000 to $60,000 a year, because the self-employment tax savings need to outweigh added payroll and accounting costs of roughly $2,000 to $4,000 annually. Below that threshold, a Schedule C sole proprietorship is usually simpler and cheaper.

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Should Substack Writers Form An S Corp?

Most Substack writers should not form an S corp until net profit consistently exceeds roughly $60,000 a year. Below that, the self-employment tax saved rarely covers the extra cost of payroll, a separate tax return (Form 1120-S), and bookkeeping. Above it, the savings can outweigh the added administration.

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Bookkeeping

How Do Freelance Writers Keep Track Of Expenses?

Freelance writers track expenses by separating a business bank account and card, logging every purchase in a spreadsheet or bookkeeping app with date, amount, and category, and saving digital receipts as they happen. Common Schedule C categories include software, home office, internet, equipment, and research materials, tracked monthly rather than scrambled together at tax time.

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Income taxability

Do You Have To Report Substack Income On Taxes?

Yes. All Substack income is taxable, including subscription revenue, tips, and any bonus payouts, regardless of whether you receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K. Report it on Schedule C as self-employment income, and pay self-employment tax on Schedule SE if net earnings exceed $400 for the year.

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Tax forms

Do Podcasters Get 1099s?

Yes, podcasters typically get 1099s. You'll receive a 1099-NEC from any sponsor, network, or platform that paid you $600 or more for services, and a 1099-K from payment processors like PayPal or Stripe once you cross their reporting threshold. Either way, all podcast income is taxable, even without a form.

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What Amadae handles

Every question on this page, handled for writers and podcasters.

  • Sponsorships, memberships, and royalties categorized as they land
  • Hosting, gear, and research costs tracked as write-offs monthly
  • Quarterly estimates calculated and set aside before each deadline
  • Your return filed by a real accountant, S-corp math included
Book Free Review

Free 30-minute review. No pitch deck.

  • Tax set-aside management
  • Expense categorization
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