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South Dakota · SD

Business Banking for Freelance Writers in South Dakota

Free business checking with 1.75% APY, built-in accounting, and unlimited sub-accounts for freelance writers in South Dakota.

Starting a Freelance Writing Business in South Dakota

State Tax Rate

0% (no state income tax)

LLC Filing Fee

$150 (LLC)

Major Markets

Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings

Key Requirements in South Dakota

No specific license required for freelance writing
General business license or registration may be required locally
Self-employment tax applies to freelance income
Written contracts recommended for all client engagements
Copyright ownership should be clearly defined in agreements

Best Banks for Freelance Writers in South Dakota

Compare South Dakota's top business banking options for freelance writers.

1

Holdings

$0/mo · 1.75% APY

Free business checking with built-in AI accounting, unlimited sub-accounts, and FDIC insurance up to $3M. Available nationwide including South Dakota.

Key Features

  • Free business checking
  • Built-in AI bookkeeping
  • Unlimited sub-accounts
  • 1.75% APY on all balances

Pros

  • No fees, no minimums
  • Accounting included free
  • FDIC insured up to $3M

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • No cash deposit
2

Great Plains Bank

Community bank

Best for: freelance writers wanting a South Dakota community bank

Pros

South Dakota-focused, strong small business lending

Cons

Limited branch network

3

First PREMIER Bank

Regional bank

Best for: freelance writers needing statewide SD access

Pros

South Dakota-headquartered, statewide coverage

Cons

Some monthly fees

4

Dacotah Bank

Community bank

Best for: freelance writers in eastern South Dakota

Pros

Strong Dakota presence, commercial banking

Cons

Traditional banking model

Why Freelance Writers in South Dakota Choose Holdings

Free Business Checking

No monthly fees, no minimums, no hidden costs. Every dollar stays in your business.

Built-In AI Bookkeeping

Automatic transaction categorization, real-time P&L and balance sheet. No QuickBooks needed.

1.75% APY on Every Dollar

Your operating funds earn interest while they sit. No tiered rates, no caps.

Unlimited Sub-Accounts

Organize funds by job, project, or purpose. Track payroll, taxes, and expenses separately.

Freelance Writers Banking in South Dakota — FAQ

Do freelance writers in South Dakota need a business license?

South Dakota doesn't require a specific writing license, but you may need a general business license depending on your city or county. If you form an LLC ($150), you'll register with the state. Many freelance writers start as sole proprietors and formalize later.

Should freelance writers in South Dakota form an LLC?

An LLC ($150 in South Dakota) provides liability protection and looks more professional to clients, but many writers start as sole proprietors. Consider forming an LLC once you're earning consistently or working with larger clients who require it for contracts.

What banking features matter for freelance writers in South Dakota?

Writers need easy invoicing (you're billing by project or word count), low or no monthly fees (income can be irregular), expense tracking for software, research tools, and home office costs, and ideally quarterly tax estimate tools. AI bookkeeping is perfect for writers who'd rather write than do books.

How do freelance writers in South Dakota handle taxes?

Freelance writers in South Dakota pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus state income tax (0% (no state income tax)). You'll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. A separate business bank account makes tracking deductible expenses (software, home office, travel) much easier.

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Ready to open your account?

Holdings offers free banking with 1.75% APY for freelance writers in South Dakota. Open your account in minutes.

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