Freelance Writer Taxes in Kansas - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for a Freelance Writer in Kansas

The Sunflower State offers a vibrant landscape for freelance writers, but navigating the tax implications of self-employment requires careful attention. As a freelance writer in Kansas, understanding both federal and state tax obligations is crucial for financial success.

The IRS requires all self-employed individuals, including freelance writers, to report income and expenses on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) with Form 1040. Furthermore, earnings exceeding $400 necessitate the payment of self-employment tax, which covers both Social Security and Medicare contributions. Accurate record-keeping throughout the year is paramount to ensure compliance and maximize potential deductions.

How Kansas Handles Gig Worker Taxes

As a resident of Kansas, a state income tax return is required regardless of income level. Kansas operates under a graduated income tax system, meaning the tax rate increases as income rises. For the 2025 tax year, Kansas utilizes several tax brackets, and rates are subject to change, so staying updated is vital. The primary form for filing state income tax as a self-employed individual is Form K-40. This form requires reporting all income, including earnings from freelance writing, and allows for itemized deductions to reduce taxable income. Kansas also allows for a deduction for federal income taxes paid, which can significantly lower your state tax liability.

Unlike some states, Kansas does not have a separate self-employment tax calculation mirroring the federal one. However, your federal self-employment tax liability will impact your adjusted gross income (AGI) on your Kansas return, indirectly affecting your state tax calculation. It’s important to note that Kansas also has provisions for estimated tax payments, particularly if you anticipate owing more than $1,000 in state income tax. Failing to make timely estimated payments can result in penalties. For detailed information and the latest updates on Kansas tax laws, consult the Kansas Department of Revenue: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/

Key Tax Deductions for Home-Based Freelance Writers

• Home Office Deduction: The home office deduction allows writers to deduct expenses related to the portion of their home exclusively and regularly used for business. “Exclusive use” means that space is only used for work; a dining room table used for both meals and writing doesn’t qualify. “Regular use” implies consistent and frequent use for business purposes. Taxpayers can choose between the simplified method, a standard deduction of $5 per square foot of the home used for business (capped at 300 square feet), or the actual expense method, which involves calculating the percentage of the home used for business and deducting a proportionate share of mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and other related expenses.
• Hardware & Software: The cost of essential tools like computers, cameras, printers, and software subscriptions (such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Grammarly, or website hosting) directly related to your writing business are deductible. For items with a useful life of more than one year, depreciation or Section 179 expensing may apply.
• Internet & Phone Bill: If you use your internet and phone for both personal and business purposes, you can deduct the percentage attributable to business use. Maintaining a detailed log of business-related usage is crucial to substantiate this deduction.

Note on Mileage: As a home-based worker, mileage deductions are less common. However, if you occasionally travel to meet clients, attend workshops, or run work-related errands, you can deduct the business portion of your mileage using the standard mileage rate set by the IRS each year.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Explained

The 15.3% self-employment tax is comprised of two components: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. This tax effectively covers both the employer and employee portions of these taxes, as a self-employed individual is both the employer and the employee. You can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income when calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI).