Whatever the boss-man says goes, especially when the boss is you!

Being self-employed comes with a lot of benefits. When it comes to filing taxes as self-employed, however, it may get a little overwhelming. Here are six tips to help you self-employers out there: 

ONE: How to file 

“Sole Proprietors” and “Independent Contractors” are two types of self-employment. A good source to define each is the IRS itself, click here for their self-employment FAQ.

TWO: Estimate your tax 

Self-employed tax payers typically need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. 

THREE: Schedule C or C-EZ

If you are self-employed, you need to file a Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ with your Form 1040. Each form provides instructions for which form to use. Any questions? Just ask us. 

FOUR: Check for both taxes

For those who are making a profit, self-employment and income tax might need to be paid. The self-employment tax would include Social Security and Medicare taxes. 

FIVE: Deductions!

Taxpayers that are self-employed can deduct expenses that are needed to run a business that are common. These would be things that are ordinary and accepted in the industry you work in. Check out our blog post here for a break down of what would qualify as tax write-offs. 

SIX: When to deduct those deductions

Typically, you can deduct expenses in the year paid or incurred. Some may need to be “capitalized”, or deducting the cost over a number of years. 

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