Self-employed tax guides
Short, plain-language answers to the questions freelancers actually ask — each backed by the same free calculator. No jargon, no sign-up.
All guides
How much should I set aside for taxes as a freelancer?
The rule of thumb is 25–35% of net profit — here's how to find your exact number for 2026.
Read →Freelancer taxes1099 vs W-2 taxes: why freelancers pay more
Same pay, bigger tax bill. Why 1099 income costs more than a W-2 — and the deductions that close the gap.
Read →DeductionsSelf-employed tax deductions that actually cut your bill
Home office, health insurance, retirement, QBI, half your SE tax — the write-offs that actually lower your bill.
Read →Estimated taxesWhen are quarterly estimated taxes due in 2026?
April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027 — the full schedule and how to never miss one.
Read →Estimated taxesDo I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Owe $1,000+ after withholding? You probably do. Who's required, who's exempt, and the W-2 workaround.
Read →Estimated taxesHow to pay your estimated taxes
Direct Pay, EFTPS, or a mailed 1040-ES voucher — the free ways to pay, step by step.
Read →Estimated taxesThe safe harbor rule: how to avoid an underpayment penalty
Pay the least you can and still skip the IRS underpayment penalty. The 90% / 100–110% rule, explained.
Read →Estimated taxesForm 2210 and the underpayment penalty
The penalty is really just interest on what you paid late. How Form 2210 works — and the safe harbor that zeroes it out.
Read →S-CorpIs an S-Corp worth it in 2026?
It saves self-employment tax — but costs money and effort to run. Where the break-even actually is.
Read →Business structureDoes an LLC save you taxes?
By itself, an LLC doesn't cut your taxes at all. What actually saves money is the S-Corp election on top of it.
Read →RetirementSEP-IRA vs Solo 401(k): which is better for you?
Both shelter a big share of profit from tax. Which lets you save more — and which is simpler — for 2026.
Read →DeductionsThe 20% QBI deduction, explained
Most self-employed people can deduct 20% of business profit before income tax. Here's how QBI works.
Read →DeductionsThe home office deduction, explained
Two ways to claim it — the simple $5/sq ft method or actual expenses. Who qualifies, and which one saves more.
Read →Freelancer taxesTaxes in your first year as a freelancer
Just went freelance? The first-year moves: what to set aside, whether you owe quarterly yet, and the two forms you'll file.
Read →Freelancer taxesSchedule C, explained for freelancers
The form where your freelance income becomes taxable profit. How Schedule C works, in plain language.
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