.svg){kind=small}
How deductions work for self-employed individuals on their tax returns?
As a self-employed 1099 entrepreneur, you know that managing your finances and taxes can be a bit of a headache. But what if we told you that all of that number computations has a positive outcome? You can significantly lower your tax liability and keep more of your income in your pocket by taking advantage of tax deductions and write-offs. And who doesn't love that?
But, we get it - figuring out what deductions and write-offs you're eligible for can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a thorough list of the top 15 tax deductions and write-offs for freelancers. We've got you covered for everything from client gifts to business travel expenses for your home office. So, grab a notebook and pen and get ready to take some notes - these tips could save you a bundle come tax season!
Top 15 Tax Deductions and Write Offs
- Equipment and Supplies
As a self-employed individual, you are allowed to deduct the cost of any equipment or supplies that you purchase for your business. This includes things like computers, printers, office furniture, and even software. Keep in mind that larger purchases may need to be depreciated over time, rather than deducted in the year of purchase.
- Business Travel Expenses
If you travel for business, you can deduct expenses such as airfare, lodging, meals, and transportation. Expenses must be directly related to your business and necessary for you to perform your work. You cannot deduct expenses for personal travel or for a trip that is primarily for entertainment purposes.
- Health Insurance
If you pay for health insurance or other types of insurance for yourself or your employees, you may be able to deduct these expenses. There are specific rules around what types of insurance qualify for a deduction and who is eligible.
- Retirement Contributions
As a self-employed individual, you are responsible for saving for your own retirement. The good news is that you can deduct contributions to a qualified retirement plan, such as a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k). These deductions can help you save for retirement while also lowering your tax bill.
- Education and Training
If you invest in education or training to improve your skills and knowledge for your business, you may be able to deduct these expenses. This includes things like books, courses, seminars, and workshops.
- Professional Services
If you hire professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants to help you with your business, you can deduct their fees as a business expense. Note that you cannot deduct fees related to personal matters, such as a divorce or a traffic ticket.
- Self-Employment Tax
As a self-employed individual, you are responsible for paying self-employment tax, which is a combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes. The good news is that you can deduct half of your self-employment tax as a business expense.
- Rent or Lease Deduction
If you lease or rent a commercial space for your business, you may be eligible to deduct the associated expenses from your taxable income. This can include costs like rent payments, utility bills, and other expenses that are directly related to the rental property.
- Car Expenses
If you use your car for business purposes, you can claim a tax deduction for those expenses. You have two options when it comes to claiming car expenses:
Standard mileage rate method - under the standard mileage rate method, you can claim a deduction for each mile driven for business purposes. The new IRS mileage rates apply for 2023 are up from 58.5 cents per mile for business purposes.
Actual expense method - you can deduct the actual expenses related to your car, such as gas, maintenance, repairs, and insurance.
- Home Office Expenses
If you work from home, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for the expenses related to your home office. To qualify for this deduction, your home office must be used exclusively for business purposes.
You can choose between two methods for calculating your home office deduction:
Simplified method you can claim a deduction of $5 per square foot of your home office, up to a maximum of 300 square feet.
Regular method you can deduct a percentage of your home expenses based on the percentage of your home that is used for business purposes.
- Client and Employee Gifts Deduction
As a self-employed individual, you may find yourself giving gifts to clients or employees as a way to show appreciation or build business relationships. The good news is that you may be able to take advantage of a client and employee gift deduction on your taxes.
To qualify for this deduction, the gift must be considered a business expense and meet the IRS definition of a gift. This means that the gift must be given with the expectation of generating business income or goodwill, and it must not exceed $25 in value per recipient.
If the gift meets these requirements, you can deduct the cost of the gift on your tax return. It's important to keep detailed records of the gifts you give, including the date, recipient, and cost, in case of an audit.
- Advertising and Promotion
You may spend money on advertising and promotion to grow your business. The good news is that you can potentially take advantage of an advertising and promotion deduction on your taxes.
To qualify for this deduction, the advertising and promotion expenses must be directly related to your business and must be considered ordinary and necessary. This means that the expenses must be typical for your industry and necessary for the operation of your business.
Examples of advertising and promotion expenses that may qualify for this deduction include newspaper ads, online ads, business cards, and promotional materials like brochures or flyers. Keep detailed records of these expenses, including receipts and invoices, in case of an audit.
- Depreciation Deduction
The cost of certain assets, such as computers and office equipment, can be deducted over time through depreciation. This allows the self-employed individual to spread out the cost of the asset over its useful life. The amount that can be deducted each year depends on the cost of the asset and the length of its useful life.
- Contract Labor
Refers to the fees paid to independent contractors for their services. For example, if you hire a graphic designer to create a logo or a developer to build your website, their fees are fully tax deductible.
It is important to note that if you paid a contractor $600 or more throughout the year, you will have to file Form 1099-NEC with the IRS and send a copy to the recipient. This form reports the total amount of payments made to the contractor and is used to track their income for tax purposes.
- Miscellaneous Expenses Deduction
For expenses that don't fit into any of the other categories listed. These can include things like bank fees, subscriptions to industry publications, or other miscellaneous business expenses. It's important to keep track of these expenses and their associated costs so that they can be deducted when it comes time to file taxes.
Being self-employed has its share of tax responsibilities, but with the right information and guidance, you can maximize your tax deductions and reduce your tax burden. You can lower your taxable income and retain more of your income in your pocket by utilizing the deductions mentioned above. It's important to keep accurate records and consult with a tax professional like Better Accounting Solution to ensure you are taking advantage of all the deductions available.
We’re so happy you found this article informative! Head back to our blog page to learn more tips, tricks and guidance on accounting to maximize your business’s growth and development.
Running a business is complicated, accounting shouldn't be.
Let our team of professional accountants take care of your books and receive accurate, detailed reports every month. Our team of experts is laser-focused on the latest trends and premier customer satisfaction, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best care and service. Your personal account manager will focus on handling your books, giving you back your time to focus on growing your business and leading it forward.
Click here to schedule a FREE consultation to join the hundreds of business owners already working with Better Accounting Solutions to help your businesses grow TODAY!
