Taxes for freelancers, simplified
Free tax tools and expert guidance built specifically for gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors. Track expenses, estimate quarterly taxes, and find every deduction.
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Getting Started
New to freelancing? Start here for tax basics
86 questions
Quarterly Taxes
Estimated tax payments, deadlines, and calculations
72 questions
Income Tracking
How to track and report freelance income
52 questions
Home Office
Home office deduction rules, calculations, and requirements
53 questions
Vehicle & Mileage
Car expenses, mileage tracking, and standard vs actual method
54 questions
Equipment & Software
Deducting computers, tools, subscriptions, and business equipment
50 questions
Health Insurance
Self-employed health insurance deduction and marketplace plans
20 questions
Retirement Savings
SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), and retirement deductions for freelancers
49 questions
Travel & Meals
Business travel, meals, and entertainment deductions
20 questions
Other Deductions
Education, professional development, and miscellaneous deductions
20 questions
Uber & Lyft
Tax guide for rideshare drivers
20 questions
Etsy & eBay
Tax guide for online sellers
20 questions
Content Creators
Tax guide for YouTubers, streamers, and influencers
20 questions
Other Platforms
Tax guides for DoorDash, Instacart, Upwork, Fiverr, and more
30 questions
Business Structure
LLC, S-Corp, sole proprietorship — which is right for you?
72 questions
Side Hustle + W-2
Managing taxes when you freelance alongside a regular job
101 questions
Year-End Filing
Filing your freelance tax return and year-end tax prep
90 questions
State-Specific
State tax rules that affect freelancers differently
79 questions
Health Insurance
Health coverage options and deductions for self-employed
61 questions
New Tax Laws 2026
How recent tax law changes affect freelancers and gig workers
53 questions
Latest Questions
At what income level should I consider an S-corp?
Most CPAs recommend considering S-corp election when your net self-employment income reaches $60,000-80,000 annually. At $80,000 net income, you could save approximately $6,120 per year in self-employment taxes (15.3% × $40,000 in distributions), though you'll need to pay yourself a reasonable salary first.
How do I handle a business that operates at a loss?
Business losses can offset other income on your tax return, potentially reducing your overall tax liability. In 2026, you can deduct up to $270,000 in business losses ($540,000 if married filing jointly) against other income, with excess losses carried forward to future years when your business becomes profitable.
Can I convert my LLC to an S-corp mid-year?
Yes, LLCs can elect S-corp tax treatment mid-year by filing Form 2553 within 2 months and 15 days of the election date. However, you'll have two different tax treatments in one year — LLC partnership/sole prop for part of the year, then S-corp for the remainder, requiring careful income allocation.
Can I deduct my LLC filing fees and legal costs?
Yes, most LLC filing fees and legal costs are tax-deductible business expenses. State filing fees (typically $50-$500) and attorney fees for formation are fully deductible in the year paid. However, costs exceeding $5,000 may need to be amortized over 180 months under IRC Section 195.
How do I convert from sole proprietor to LLC mid-year?
Converting from sole proprietor to LLC mid-year requires filing LLC formation documents with your state (typically $50-$500), obtaining an EIN, and choosing tax treatment. You'll file two separate business tax returns: Schedule C for pre-conversion months and Form 1065 or 1120S for post-conversion months if electing partnership or S-corp status.
What is a disregarded entity for tax purposes?
A disregarded entity is a business entity with a single owner that the IRS ignores for federal tax purposes. Single-member LLCs are the most common example - the LLC provides legal protection but is 'disregarded' for taxes, meaning you report business income on Schedule C like a sole proprietorship.
Do I need to file quarterly payroll taxes as an S-corp?
Yes, S-corp owners must file quarterly payroll taxes (Form 941) if they pay themselves any salary during the quarter. You must deposit withheld taxes within 1-3 business days depending on your deposit schedule. Penalties start at 2% for late deposits and can reach 15% for severely delinquent payments.
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?
Yes, 49 states require LLCs to have a registered agent — only New York doesn't. You can serve as your own registered agent in most states, but 73% of small business owners hire a service ($100-$300/year) to maintain privacy and ensure they don't miss important legal documents during business hours.
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