TAX TIP: Can You Deduct This Newsletter?

Your Brain’s Getting Sharper...and Your Tax Bill Might Get Smaller, Too.

TAX TIME TIP: Can You Deduct This Newsletter?

Your Brain’s Getting Sharper…and Your Tax Bill Might Get Smaller, Too.

I’ll keep this very short and to the point.

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said out loud often enough:

If you’re reading this newsletter for work…business strategy…or to stay sharp in your field…you might be able to deduct it on your taxes.

Yes…really.
Let’s unpack that.

What the IRS Actually Says

The IRS draws a simple but powerful line between personal expenses and business expenses.

If you run a business…even as a freelancer…consultant…or side-hustler…you can deduct things that are “ordinary and necessary” for your trade.

That phrase comes straight from IRS Publication 535.
And in plain English, it means:

“Does this help you do your job, grow your business, or earn income?”

If the answer is yes…then you’re probably looking at a legitimate deduction.

That’s why accountants routinely tell entrepreneurs to deduct:

• Professional journals

• Online subscriptions

• Trade association dues

• Specialized newsletters

If you’re a journalist…analyst…strategist…marketer…consultant…therapist…behavioralist…etc, or content creator who reads Jack Hopkins Now to track trends… improve communication…or inform your work…it’s not a hobby expense. It’s a business tool.

Example: The Freelancer Test

Let’s say you run a one-person LLC writing or consulting about current events, politics, or public communication.

You read this newsletter not for entertainment, but to:

• Stay informed about policy…strategy…and persuasion trends

• Gather story ideas or insights for your own work

• Develop material that ultimately earns you income

That meets the test.

It’s ordinary (lots of people in your line of work do it), and it’s necessary (it contributes to your income).

On your Schedule C, it can fit under:

“Other business expenses – professional subscriptions.”

What It Means in Dollars

If you deduct a $148 annual subscription and you’re in a 24% tax bracket…you’re effectively saving about $35 in taxes…not counting state tax offsets.

If you run multiple newsletters…online tools…or publication memberships that all tie to your trade…the total can add up to hundreds of dollars in legitimate write-offs.

And that’s before you factor in what you learn here that may help you make more money.

What Doesn’t Count

If you’re reading purely for personal curiosity…not tied to a business…freelancing…or self-employment activity…the deduction doesn’t apply.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated most “miscellaneous itemized deductions,” including unreimbursed investment and education expenses, for W-2 employees.

So, if you have a full-time job and just enjoy reading about politics…communication… or resilience for personal growth…keep doing it…but don’t plan to deduct it.

The Rule of Thumb

When in doubt, ask yourself:

“Am I using this as part of my work or my business?”

If you’re learning…researching…or applying what you read to make money…attract clients…or run your organization better, it’s a defensible deduction.

If it’s just reading for fun…it’s not.

And remember: the IRS doesn’t care about labels.
It cares about intent and documentation.

Keep a note in your records:

“Subscription used for business research and content development.”
That one line can justify the expense if you’re ever asked.

Key IRS Sources (for your records)

• IRS Publication 535 – Business Expenses

• IRS Publication 463 – Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses (includes business entertainment rules)

• IRS Publication 529 – Miscellaneous Deductions

You can find them all at IRS.gov/publications.

Remember

If you’re self-employed…a small-business owner…or a creator who reads this newsletter to sharpen your edge…talk to your tax professional about deducting it.

The law rewards people who invest in staying informed…not just entertained.

And that’s what you’re doing every time you read Jack Hopkins Now.
You’re not just buying information…you’re buying clarity…strategy…and peace of mind in a world that rewards confusion.

That’s an investment…not a luxury.
And yes…in many cases…it’s a deductible one.

Back soon,

-Jack