Starting a freelance writer side hustle sounds simple.
Write a few articles. Get paid. Work from anywhere.
But the real story is a little more complex — and much more interesting.
Yes, freelance writing can bring extra income and flexibility.
But it also comes with taxes, uneven pay, and decisions most people don’t talk about.
This guide breaks it all down honestly.
No hype. No fear tactics. Just the truth about money, freedom, and taxes — so you can decide if a freelance writer side hustle actually fits your life.
What Is a Freelance Writer Side Hustle?
A freelance writer side hustle means writing for pay outside of a traditional job, usually on a flexible schedule.
You might write:
- Blog posts
- Website copy
- Email newsletters
- Product descriptions
- SEO articles
Some people write a few hours a week.
Others slowly turn it into full-time income.
The key difference from a regular job?
You are self-employed, even if it’s “just on the side.”
That one detail changes everything — especially taxes.
Why Freelance Writing Is So Popular Right Now
Freelance writing keeps growing because it checks a lot of boxes.
It’s Easy to Start
You don’t need:
- A degree in writing
- Certifications
- Expensive tools
If you can write clearly and meet deadlines, you can start.
It Scales With Your Time
You choose:
- How many clients
- How many hours
- How much work you accept
That flexibility makes it ideal as a side hustle.
It Can Turn Into Real Income
Many writers start with $100–$300 per month.
Over time, some earn $3,000+ monthly — even part-time.
But income growth is not automatic.
The Real Money: What Freelance Writers Actually Earn
Let’s be honest about numbers.
Beginner Side Hustle Income
Most new freelance writers earn:
- $0–$500/month at first
- Often inconsistent
- Paid per project, not hourly
Early income depends heavily on:
- Niche
- Client type
- Confidence in pricing
Intermediate Writers
With experience and better clients:
- $1,000–$3,000/month part-time
- Higher rates per article
- Fewer clients, better pay
High-Earning Freelance Writers
Top earners focus on:
- Specialized niches
- Retainer clients
- Business writing
These writers often earn:
- $75–$150 per hour
- $500–$2,000 per project
But they also treat writing like a business, not a hobby.
Freelance Writing Is Freedom — With Responsibility
Freedom is the biggest selling point.
But freedom has trade-offs.
The Good Freedom
- Set your own schedule
- Work from anywhere
- Choose your clients
- Control your workload
The Hidden Cost
- No paid time off
- No employer benefits
- No automatic tax withholding
- No guaranteed income
This is where many side hustlers get caught off guard.
Taxes: The Part Everyone Ignores (Until It Hurts)
If you earn money from freelance writing, the IRS considers you self-employed.
Even if:
- It’s part-time
- It’s occasional
- You still have a full-time job
Yes, You Must Report Freelance Income
You must report all freelance writing income, even if:
- You weren’t sent a tax form
- It feels small
- It was paid through PayPal or Stripe
Ignoring this is one of the biggest side-hustle mistakes.
How Freelance Writing Is Taxed
Here’s the simplified version.
1. Self-Employment Tax
You pay:
- Social Security
- Medicare
This is called self-employment tax (about 15.3%).
2. Income Tax
On top of that, you pay:
- Federal income tax
- Possibly state income tax
Your freelance income stacks on top of your regular job income.
That’s why side hustles can push people into higher tax brackets.
Do Freelance Writers Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
Sometimes, yes.
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.
Skipping them can lead to:
- Penalties
- Interest
- Stress at tax time
This is why using a simple freelance tax calculator early can save money later.
What Freelance Writers Can Deduct
The good news?
Freelance writers can deduct legitimate business expenses.
Common deductions include:
- Laptop and equipment
- Writing software and tools
- Internet costs (partial)
- Home office (if eligible)
- Courses and education
- Website hosting
Deductions lower your taxable income — legally.
Read: Freelance Tax Deductions You Shouldn’t Miss
Freelance Writer Side Hustle vs Full-Time Job Taxes
This is where many people get confused.
| Job Type | Taxes Withheld Automatically? |
| Employee | Yes |
| Freelance Writer | No |
As a freelancer:
- You must set aside money for taxes
- You must track income and expenses
- You must file correctly
Many writers save 25–30% of freelance income for taxes.
How to Stay Organized (Without Stress)
You don’t need complicated systems.
Simple habits work best:
- Separate business bank account
- Track income monthly
- Save receipts digitally
- Use a basic expense tracker
Waiting until tax season is what creates panic.
Read our article: The Easiest Way to Track Tax-Deductible Expenses
Is a Freelance Writer Side Hustle Worth It?
For many people, yes — if expectations are realistic.
It’s Worth It If You:
- Enjoy writing
- Want flexible income
- Can manage irregular pay
- Are willing to learn basic taxes
It’s Not Ideal If You:
- Need steady pay immediately
- Avoid admin tasks
- Hate tracking money
- Expect “easy money”
Freelance writing rewards patience, not shortcuts.
Common Mistakes Freelance Writers Make
Avoid these early mistakes:
- Underpricing work
- Ignoring taxes
- Mixing personal and business money
- Not tracking expenses
- Relying on one client
Most problems come from treating a side hustle casually for too long.
How Long Before Freelance Writing Feels Stable?
For most people:
- 3–6 months to find rhythm
- 6–12 months to feel predictable
- 12+ months to feel confident
Stability comes from:
- Repeat clients
- Better rates
- Tax awareness
Short FAQ: Freelance Writer Side Hustle
How much can a freelance writer make as a side hustle?
Anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars per month, depending on skill, niche, and time invested.
Do freelance writers need to file taxes?
Yes. All freelance income must be reported, even if it’s part-time.
Do I need an LLC to start freelance writing?
No. Most freelance writers start as sole proprietors.
How much should I save for taxes?
Many freelancers save 25–30% of their freelance income.
Is freelance writing risky?
Income can be inconsistent, but risk is manageable with planning and savings.
Final Thoughts: The Honest Truth
A freelance writer side hustle can give you:
- Extra income
- Flexibility
- Creative control
But it also requires:
- Discipline
- Financial awareness
- Tax responsibility
When you understand the money and the rules, freelance writing becomes empowering — not stressful.
If you want freedom without surprises, start smart and plan early.