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28 guides on taxes, deductions, credits, and more
Self-EmployedHobby vs Business: IRS Rules for Claiming Losses and DeductionsYou've been selling handmade candles on Etsy for two years now. You've made about $1,200 total, but you've spent $5,000 on supplies, equipment, and that beautif...Self-EmployedHow to Pay Yourself from Your LLC or S-Corp: Salary vs Distribution Tax RulesYou've done it—you've formed your LLC or S-Corp, landed clients, and money is flowing into your business account. Now comes the exciting (and slightly confusing...Self-EmployedPaying Quarterly Taxes Late: Penalty Calculation and How to Minimize Underpayment Fees for Q2 2026Picture this: You're a freelance graphic designer, juggling multiple clients and deadlines. Between invoicing, creating designs, and managing your business, you...Self-EmployedHobby Income vs Business Income Tax Rules: What Every Side Hustler Needs to KnowYou've been selling handmade jewelry on Etsy for the past year. Or maybe you've been mowing lawns on weekends for extra cash. Perhaps you're breeding French Bul...Self-EmployedSummer Tax Planning for Self-Employed: Quarterly Tax Strategies and Year-End ProjectionsPicture this: It's a gorgeous July afternoon, and you're finally taking that beach day you promised yourself. You're scrolling through your phone when you sudde...Self-EmployedFreelancer Tax Deductions Checklist for 2026 FilingPicture this: It's April 2027, and you're staring at your laptop, trying to remember whether that coffee shop meeting in March 2026 was tax-deductible. You've g...Self-EmployedForm W-9 Guide for Independent Contractors: Everything You Need to KnowPicture this: You've just landed your first freelance gig, and your new client sends you an email asking you to "fill out a W-9." You stare at your screen, wond...Self-EmployedWhat to Do If You Missed the Q1 Estimated Tax Deadline: Penalty Calculation and Catch-Up StrategiesPicture this: You're a freelance graphic designer who had a great start to the year. Projects rolled in, invoices got paid, and you were feeling on top of the w...Self-EmployedSafe Harbor Rules: How to Avoid Estimated Tax Penalties in 2026Picture this: You're finally sitting down to complete your 2026 tax return, feeling pretty good about yourself. Then you see it—a penalty notice from the IRS fo...Self-EmployedQ2 Estimated Tax Payment Due June 16, 2026: What You Need to KnowPicture this: You're sipping your morning coffee in mid-June, scrolling through your phone, when you stumble across a reminder that makes your stomach drop—"Q2 ...Self-EmployedHow to Report Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal Income on Your TaxesYou just got a notification from Venmo. But it's not a payment—it's a tax form called a 1099-K. Your heart sinks a little. "Do I really have to pay taxes on the...Self-EmployedTax Guide for Content Creators: YouTube, TikTok, and MoreIf you earn money from YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, or Instagram, you need to know about self-employment tax and deductions.Self-EmployedS-Corp Reasonable Salary: How to Set It and Save on TaxesS-Corp owners must pay themselves a reasonable salary. Set it too low and the IRS will reclassify distributions.Self-EmployedSmall Business Tax Credits: The Complete Guide for 2026From the health care credit to the R&D credit, small businesses can claim credits that reduce their tax bill.Self-EmployedHow to File Taxes as a Sole ProprietorA sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure. Here is how to file taxes and claim deductions.Self-EmployedGig Worker Tax Guide: DoorDash, Uber, Etsy, and MoreEverything gig workers need to know about taxes, deductions, and quarterly payments.Self-EmployedSelf-Employment Tax 2026: How Much and How to Reduce ItSelf-employment tax is 15.3% on top of income tax. Here is how to calculate and lower it.Self-Employed1099-NEC vs 1099-MISC: What Is the Difference?The IRS uses different 1099 forms for different types of non-employee income.Self-EmployedSchedule C Explained: Report Self-Employment IncomeSchedule C is where freelancers and sole proprietors report business income and deductions.Self-EmployedLLC vs S-Corp: Which Saves More on Taxes?Choosing between an LLC and an S-Corp can save or cost you thousands in taxes every year. Here's how each structure is taxed, when the S-Corp election makes sen...Self-EmployedQuarterly Estimated Tax Payments: Complete Guide for Self-EmployedSelf-employed workers and business owners must pay estimated taxes four times a year. Here's who must pay, how to calculate payments, due dates, and how to avoi...Self-EmployedBusiness Meals Deduction 2026: What's Deductible and What's NotThe business meals deduction is back to 50% for 2026. Here's exactly what qualifies, what documentation you need, and common mistakes to avoid.Self-EmployedSection 179 Deduction 2026: Write Off Equipment and AssetsSection 179 lets business owners write off up to $1.16 million in equipment and assets in the year of purchase instead of depreciating them over time. Here's wh...Self-Employed1099 Contractor vs W-2 Employee: Tax Rules for EmployersMisclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees can result in severe IRS penalties. Here's how to classify correctly and understand your ...Self-EmployedBusiness Vehicle Deduction: Standard Mileage vs Actual ExpensesWhether you use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses, your business vehicle can be a significant tax deduction. Here's how both methods work and which o...Self-EmployedHow Good Bookkeeping Saves You Thousands at Tax Time (and What Happens Without It)The average freelancer misses $3,000 to $5,000 in deductions every year without proper bookkeeping. Here is exactly what that costs you, what the IRS expects, a...Self-EmployedSide Hustle Tax Guide: What You Owe and How to Pay LessEarning money on the side? You probably owe more taxes than you think. Here is everything you need to know about self-employment tax, quarterly payments, deduct...Self-Employed1099 Deductions: The Complete List for Self-Employed Workers (2026)Every deduction self-employed and 1099 workers can claim in 2026, organized by category. From home office to retirement contributions, here is the complete list...