Copywriter
Tax guide for New Zealand copywriters and marketing content specialists
Allowable Expenses
- Home office — NZ$5/week flat rate or actual proportion
- Writing & design software — Adobe CC, Canva Pro, Grammarly, copywriting tools
- Client research tools — SEMrush, Ahrefs, keyword research subscriptions
- Professional memberships — Marketing associations, copywriting guilds
- Portfolio hosting — Website, domain name, hosting fees
Tax Tips
- Website costs for your professional portfolio are fully deductible
- Client entertainment meals are 50% deductible — keep receipts with business purpose noted
- Software subscriptions are 100% deductible if used exclusively for work
- Keep a separate business bank account so your copywriting income and expenses are easy to track at year end
Frequently Asked Questions
Are client entertainment expenses deductible for copywriters?
Entertainment expenses are 50% deductible in New Zealand when the purpose is business-related. Keep receipts and note the business purpose and people involved.
Can I claim my home office set-up costs?
Yes. One-time set-up costs like a desk, chair, and monitor are deductible if used for work. Items costing over NZ$1,000 must be depreciated; items under NZ$1,000 can be expensed immediately.
Are software subscriptions like Grammarly or Jasper AI deductible?
Yes. Software tools used to produce your copywriting work — including grammar checkers, AI writing assistants, and SEO tools — are deductible business expenses, provided they are used for business rather than personal writing.
How do I handle GST if I have overseas copywriting clients?
Services supplied to overseas clients who are not resident in New Zealand are zero-rated for GST — meaning you charge 0% GST but can still claim back GST on your NZ business expenses. Keep contracts and evidence that the client is a non-NZ entity.