Tax Information for Authors
Tax considerations for BookAuth authors — where to find tax documents, how to track deductible expenses, and general guidance for self-publishing income.
Earning money from book sales means tax obligations. While we can't provide tax advice (consult a qualified tax professional), this guide explains where to find your tax documents and common deductible expenses for self-publishing authors.
What You'll Learn
- Where to find your tax documents
- Common self-publishing tax deductions
- Record-keeping best practices
- International author considerations
Tax Documents
In the US
Stripe provides year-end tax forms:
| Form | Who Gets It | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1099-K | US authors receiving $600+ in gross payments | January (for previous year) |
Access your 1099-K from:
- Open your Stripe dashboard (Revenue > Payments > Open Stripe Dashboard)
- Navigate to Settings > Documents
- Download your 1099-K form
Outside the US
Tax documentation varies by country. Stripe provides transaction records that you can use for your local tax filing. Access full transaction history from your Stripe dashboard.
Common Self-Publishing Tax Deductions
The following are commonly deductible expenses for self-publishing authors. Consult your tax professional for guidance specific to your situation:
| Deduction | Examples |
|---|---|
| BookAuth subscription | Pro/Business plan monthly fees |
| Platform fees | BookAuth's percentage on each sale |
| Payment processing | Stripe's transaction fees |
| Cover design | Fees paid to cover designers |
| Editing | Developmental, copy, and proofreading editing |
| Formatting | ePub/PDF formatting services |
| Marketing | Facebook ads, BookBub promotions, newsletter tools |
| Website | Domain registration, any external hosting |
| Software | Scrivener, Vellum, Atticus, Calibre (paid versions) |
| ISBN purchases | ISBN blocks from Bowker |
| Professional services | Accountant, legal consultation |
| Home office | Portion of rent/mortgage, utilities (if applicable) |
| Research | Books, travel, courses related to your writing |
Record-Keeping Best Practices
Monthly Tasks
- Download your monthly revenue report from Revenue > Reports
- Save receipts for all publishing-related expenses
- Track expenses in a spreadsheet or accounting tool
Recommended Tools
- Wave (free) — invoice and expense tracking
- QuickBooks Self-Employed — popular for authors
- Google Sheets — simple expense tracking spreadsheet
What to Track Per Transaction
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Date | 2026-01-15 |
| Description | Cover design for The Shadow King |
| Category | Cover Design |
| Amount | $350.00 |
| Vendor | [Designer Name] |
| Receipt | Attached |
Estimated Tax Payments (US)
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes, the IRS requires quarterly estimated payments:
| Quarter | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | April 15 |
| Q2 (Apr-May) | June 15 |
| Q3 (Jun-Aug) | September 15 |
| Q4 (Sep-Dec) | January 15 |
Use IRS Form 1040-ES to calculate and submit estimated payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does BookAuth withhold taxes from my earnings?
A: No. BookAuth does not withhold taxes. You're responsible for your own tax obligations.
Q: I'm not in the US — what tax forms do I get?
A: Stripe provides transaction records for your local tax filing. Specific forms depend on your country's requirements.
Q: Is self-publishing income considered self-employment income?
A: In most cases, yes. Self-publishing income is typically reported as self-employment income. Consult your tax professional.
Q: What's the difference between hobby income and business income?
A: If you operate with the intent to make a profit and do so regularly, the IRS considers it a business. This distinction affects which deductions you can claim.
Important: This article provides general information only and should not be construed as tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation and jurisdiction.
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