Freelance Writer Taxes in Oklahoma - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is Freelance Writer income taxable in Oklahoma?

Yes, absolutely. As a freelance writer in Oklahoma, your earnings are subject to both federal and state income taxes. The IRS treats freelance income as business income, meaning you'll report it on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) as part of your Form 1040. This schedule allows you to deduct business expenses, reducing your taxable income. You'll calculate your net profit (income minus expenses) on Schedule C, and that amount flows to your 1040.

Oklahoma has a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay increases as your taxable income increases. For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), Oklahoma’s tax brackets will determine your state income tax liability. You’ll use Form 511, Oklahoma Income Tax Return, to calculate and report your state taxes. Your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is a starting point for calculating your Oklahoma taxable income, but there are also Oklahoma-specific adjustments and deductions you may be eligible for.

Top Tax Write-offs for Freelance Writers

• Home Office Deduction: If you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for your writing business, you can deduct expenses related to that space. This includes a percentage of your mortgage interest or rent, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. There's a simplified method based on square footage, or you can calculate actual expenses.
• Software & Subscriptions: Costs for writing software (like Scrivener, Grammarly Premium), editing tools, plagiarism checkers, project management software, and subscriptions to research databases are all deductible business expenses.
• Computer & Equipment: The cost of your computer, printer, desk, chair, and other equipment used for your writing business can be deducted. You can either deduct the full cost in the year of purchase (using Section 179 deduction, subject to limits) or depreciate the cost over several years.
• Mileage & Vehicle Expenses: When you drive for work – to meet clients, conduct research, or deliver materials – you can deduct your mileage. For 2024, the standard mileage rate is 67 cents per mile (verify the final official rate from the IRS at IRS.gov). Alternatively, you can deduct actual vehicle expenses (gas, oil, repairs, insurance, depreciation), but mileage is often simpler.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Many freelancers are surprised to learn about self-employment tax. When you're an employee, your employer pays half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. As a freelancer, you're both the employer and the employee, so you're responsible for the full 15.3%. This is broken down into 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. You only pay self-employment tax on earnings over $400.

You'll calculate this on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax), which is filed along with your Form 1040. The good news is that you can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income on Form 1040, which helps reduce your overall income tax liability.

Closing Tip for Oklahoma Residents

Don't wait until the last minute! Keeping accurate records of your income and expenses throughout the year will make tax time much less stressful. Consider using accounting software or a spreadsheet to track everything. Also, remember to check the Oklahoma Tax Commission website (https://www.ok.gov/tax/) for the latest updates on state tax laws and forms. If you find things complex, consulting with a qualified tax professional (like myself!) can ensure you're taking all the deductions you're entitled to and complying with all applicable laws.