Freelancers and self-employed
How self-employed income is taxed, what to set aside, which expenses count and when forming an LLC is worth it.
18 guides in this topic
- Self-employment tax explained3 minute readWhat self-employment tax is, the 2026 rate and wage base, who pays it, how it is calculated on Schedule SE, and the deduction for half of it.
- How to file taxes as a freelancer: a first-year guide4 minute readA first-year tax guide for freelancers: which income to report, the 2026 1099 rules, Schedule C and SE, quarterly payments, deductions and records.
- Do freelancers need an LLC3 minute readWhether a freelancer needs an LLC: what it protects and what it does not, why tax stays the same by default, the yearly costs, and when it is worth it.
- 1099 vs W-2: what changes for your taxes2 minute read1099 vs W-2 compared: withholding, Social Security and Medicare, deductions, benefits and quarterly payments, with a worked example.
- Do you have to report income if you didn't get a 10992 minute readWhy income is taxable without a Form 1099, the common reasons forms never arrive, how to report it on Schedule C, and handling IRS mismatches.
- How much to set aside for taxes when you're self-employed2 minute readHow much self-employed people should set aside for tax: the self-employment tax share, income and state tax, a simple method, and using the money.
- Sole proprietor taxes: how they work2 minute readHow sole proprietors are taxed: income tax on Schedule C, self-employment tax, quarterly estimates, the QBI deduction, and when an LLC changes things.
- Taxes on a side business when you also have a W-2 job2 minute readHow side hustle income is taxed alongside a job: reporting it, self-employment tax and the wage base, covering tax through withholding, and losses.
- Taxes for freelancers on Upwork and Fiverr2 minute readHow Upwork and Fiverr income is taxed: the tax form platforms send, reporting gross earnings and fees, self-employment tax, and freelancers abroad.
- Health insurance deduction for the self-employed1 minute readHow the self-employed health insurance deduction works: who qualifies, which premiums count, the earned income limit, employer plans and Form 7206.
- SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k) for the self-employed3 minute readSEP IRA vs Solo 401(k) for 2026: the $24,500 deferral and $72,000 total, Roth options, deadlines, employees, paperwork, and which suits you.
- Taxes for rideshare and delivery drivers3 minute readHow Uber, Lyft and delivery drivers are taxed: Forms 1099-K and 1099-NEC, the 2026 mileage rates, deductions, tips and quarterly payments.
- Taxes for content creators and influencers3 minute readHow content creators and influencers are taxed: ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate income and free products, deductions, and creators abroad.
- Taxes for real estate agents3 minute readHow real estate agents are taxed: statutory non-employee status, Form 1099-NEC, common deductions, quarterly payments and S corporations.
- Taxes for truck owner-operators3 minute readHow truck owner-operators are taxed: Schedule C or an LLC, truck depreciation, the driver per diem, Form 2290, IFTA and quarterly estimates.
- Taxes for Airbnb and short-term rental hosts3 minute readHow Airbnb and short-term rental hosts are taxed: the 14-day rule, Schedule E or C, occupancy taxes, depreciation and personal use limits.
- Taxes for online coaches and course creators3 minute readHow online coaches and course creators are taxed: course, coaching and membership income, deductions, sales tax on digital products, and VAT.
- Your first US tax return after moving to the US3 minute readYour first US tax return as a new immigrant: when residency starts, dual-status years, the joint return election, foreign income and accounts.