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Completed my first two gigs!!!

by DKCopywriter
8 replies
On Wednesday, I got hired and completed 2 gigs. In 2-3 hours of work, I earned $400. Both of the clients were pleased with my work. One was an Amazon product rewrite I got off of the Cult of Copy group and the other was a Fiverr order for a landing page.

I have two questions:

1. My total pay was $400, but between the money that Fiverr takes and that Paypal takes, it will be a little bit less. Is the total amount after that taxable? Or is the tax based on the $400?

2. What now? I've got the hunger for work and my clients liked my work. However, since these were my first clients and the work was so recent, conversion rates aren't known yet. I'd assume now I should start a portfolio and hunt for more work. All I have is Word docs with my copy. Whenever I look at people's portfolios, they all have the design in there as well, and I hate doing design work. Should I outsource or are Word docs enough? What would you recommend I do now so that I can make more money?
#completed #gigs
  • Profile picture of the author ThePromotionalGuy
    Self employment tax is always based on Gross, not Net.

    If you offer only copywriting services I've seen where some writers only provide the text that they wrote in their samples. No roughs, no layouts, no final product, just the text.

    Of course others, for their own reasons, like to show a finished product.

    It is up to you. It's your website. What do you want your prospects and clients to see?
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    • Profile picture of the author DKCopywriter
      I'd prefer a finished product, however I only provide the text. I'm no web designer. My clients haven't yet published the finished work, as the copy written is only one piece of the puzzle.


      Regarding self-employment tax, you're saying it's the $400 that's taxable,even though I'm actually only bringing in like $325 after Fiverr's and Paypal's cut? That sucks. Would you recommend a Paypal alternative so that I don't have to give my earnings to others?
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      • Profile picture of the author ThePromotionalGuy
        I'm old fashion. I have a Business Checking Account.

        Originally Posted by DKCopywriter View Post

        Regarding self-employment tax, you're saying it's the $400 that's taxable,even though I'm actually only bringing in like $325 after Fiverr's and Paypal's cut? That sucks. Would you recommend a Paypal alternative so that I don't have to give my earnings to others?
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Would you recommend a Paypal alternative so that I don't have to give my earnings to others?
          The income is taxable - but the fees are writeoffs in many cases.

          There are costs involved in doing business.

          Instead of $400 for 2-3 hrs of work - you earned $325 for 2-3 hrs of work. Not shabby.
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          • Profile picture of the author DKCopywriter
            I'm just confused though. Is the initial income taxable, pre-cut? So I have to pay tax on 400 dollars, even though I only really got paid 325?
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            • Profile picture of the author ThePromotionalGuy
              Instead of asking copywriters tax questions, seek out your local tax accountant and ask them what you should prepare for.

              Originally Posted by DKCopywriter View Post

              I'm just confused though. Is the initial income taxable, pre-cut? So I have to pay tax on 400 dollars, even though I only really got paid 325?
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              • Profile picture of the author DKCopywriter
                I don't want to pay for a consultation. I'm low enough on money as it is.
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                • Profile picture of the author ThePromotionalGuy
                  Instead of giving up and throwing in the towel, do yourself a service and research self-employment tax preparation.

                  If you live in the States, IRS and your State's Department of Revenue agencies don't charge to get you the information needed to prepare. SBA, (Small Business Administration) is also another source to look into.

                  If you live in another country there are agencies who will gladly advise you at no cost.

                  If you want to be a successful copywriter, practice your research skills, by actually researching something that will effect your future.

                  Originally Posted by DKCopywriter View Post

                  I don't want to pay for a consultation. I'm low enough on money as it is.
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