Self-Employed Tax Deductions Worksheet (2024)

Small business tax write offs are your best tool to reduce a large tax bill.

It doesn't mean you should go on a shopping

spree — plan out the items your business needs to function and stick to it.

Our list of tax-deductible expenses helps you track extra money you may forget to claim on your taxes.

Self-Employed Tax Deduction Secrets

What can I deduct on my taxes?

Your business expenses must be ordinary and necessary for your industry.

You shouldn’t try to deduct a stethoscope if you’re a handyman.

It's a legitimate tax deduction (for a doctor), but it doesn’t meanyouare eligible to take it.

Your tax deductions should also be reasonable and not lavish.

Don’t deduct extravagant items, unless your business caters to high-end clients (and you can prove it).

If you’re not serving millionaires and billionaires, skip the uber-expensive furniture or designer office.

How do tax deductions work?

You can either deduct the purchase in the same year (expense) or spread it over several years (capitalize).

The IRS spells out what yo do for each situation, so it’s essential you know all the rules.

If you’re handling your bookkeeping (and not using a professional), make sure you place all the transactions in the proper business expense categories with memo notes and receipts.

The end-of-year statements you hand over to a tax return preparer onlysummarizeyour business finances.

It’s up to you, or your bookkeeper, to classify the individual transactionsthroughout the year.

Otherwise, the reports are wrong, and you'll pay extra for an accountant to fix it for you at tax time.

List of tax write-offs for self-employed

The business tax deductions list includes items you are likely to buy but may forget to add on your tax return.

Use it as a worksheet tothink of other self-employed business expensesyou didn’t know were available to you.

Headquarters/Business Office

You will incur several expenses to operate your office, including

93. Office rent or mortgage
94. Maintenance and repairs
95. Improvements
96. Real property taxes
97. Tangible property taxes
98. Utilities
99. Property insurance
100.General liability insurance
101.Errors and omissions insurance

Last Updated: 6/17/20

DISCLAIMER

Please consult with your accountant, attorney, and financial advisor before implementing any information displayed on this website. DIY research does not replace the advice of a licensed professional who has thoroughly reviewed your file.

SHARE THIS

Self-Employed Tax Deductions Worksheet (1)

SMALL BUSINESSMENTORING

Chat with an expert, rather than a search engine

Our group sessions cover the most frequently asked questions by small business owners. Don't keep wondering if the free advice you see online is correct. You’ll gain access to invaluable information with a licensed and experienced accountant you can trust. Get started.

Stay up to date with

Deducting The Right Way®

Subscribe to the DeductRight newsletter for updates, freebies, and special offers.

Self-Employed Tax Deductions Worksheet (2024)

FAQs

How to calculate self-employment tax deduction? ›

Generally, the amount subject to self-employment tax is 92.35% of your net earnings from self-employment. You calculate net earnings by subtracting ordinary and necessary trade or business expenses from the gross income you derived from your trade or business.

How does IRS verify self-employment income? ›

Form 1099. For tax purposes, a 1099 provides a summary of income from sources other than regular employment, such as investments, rental income or contract work. It is typically issued by the payer of the income and provides important information about the amount of money earned and any taxes withheld.

What deduction can I claim without receipts? ›

What does the IRS allow you to deduct (or “write off”) without receipts?
  • Self-employment taxes. ...
  • Home office expenses. ...
  • Self-employed health insurance premiums. ...
  • Self-employed retirement plan contributions. ...
  • Vehicle expenses. ...
  • Cell phone expenses.
Nov 10, 2022

How do I get the most back on my taxes if I am self-employed? ›

Top 10 Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Workers
  1. Self-Employment Tax. ...
  2. Health Insurance Premiums. ...
  3. Home Office Expenses. ...
  4. Internet and Phone Bills. ...
  5. Car Expenses. ...
  6. Business Travel. ...
  7. Business Meals. ...
  8. Retirement Savings Plans.
Feb 23, 2024

Who qualifies for self-employed tax credit? ›

Who is Eligible for the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC)? The SETC offers a version of the FFCRA's sick and family leave tax credits for taxpayers who meet the following criteria: Conducted a trade or business that qualified as self-employment income in 2020 and/or 2021.

What is the 20% self-employment deduction? ›

QBI Component. This component of the deduction equals 20 percent of QBI from a domestic business operated as a sole proprietorship or through a partnership, S corporation, trust, or estate.

Can you deduct self-employment expenses with no income? ›

You can either deduct or amortize start-up expenses once your business begins rather than filing business taxes with no income. If you were actively engaged in your trade or business but didn't receive income, then you should file and claim your expenses.

What is an example of self-employment income? ›

The net income you earn from your own trade or business. For example, any net income (profit) you earn from goods you sell or services you provide to others counts as self-employment income. Self-employment income could also come from a distributive share from a partnership.

How much should I set aside for self-employed taxes? ›

Nevertheless, independent contractors are usually responsible for paying the Self-Employment Tax and income tax. With that in mind, it's best practice to save about 25–30% of your self-employed income to pay for taxes.

Does IRS need proof of deductions? ›

When conducting your audit, we will ask you to present certain documents that support the income, credits or deductions you claimed on your return. You would have used all of these documents to prepare your return.

What personal expenses can I write off? ›

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Are credit card statements sufficient for tax deductions? ›

Using Credit Cards as Tax Tools

The IRS requires documentation for all itemized deductions on taxes, and you can use credit card statements to verify your claimed expenses and demonstrate proof of payment. Some credit card companies even provide a year-end statement summary so you don't have to go through each month.

Do self-employed ever get a tax refund? ›

The short answer is yes. However, there are some conditions that must be met in order for a sole proprietor to qualify for a tax refund. The following are the criteria for getting a small business tax refund as a sole proprietor: You must have paid taxes on your company's earnings and expenses throughout the year.

What is the 7202 credit for self-employed people? ›

The FFCRA also extended equivalent refundable credits to self-employed individuals, and Form 7202 is used by self-employed taxpayers to figure the amount to claim for qualified sick and family leave equivalent credits.

How are people getting 30k back on taxes? ›

The Department of Community Services and Development encourages Californians earning under $30,000 a year to file their taxes to claim the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), a cash-back tax credit, and receive a larger tax refund.

How much is self-employment tax calculated? ›

Self-employed workers are taxed at 15.3% of their net profit. This percentage is a combination of Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes, also known as FICA taxes. What documents do I need to use this self-employment tax calculator? Gather these 2023 tax documents to help you fill out the form.

Why is 30% tax for self-employed? ›

That “30% rule of thumb” comes from the fact that self-employment income is taxed at an additional 15.3% to make sure that self-employed people still pay Medicare and Social Security tax.

Is self-employment tax calculated before or after deductions? ›

You can calculate the self-employment tax once you have totaled your net earnings. Enter your net earnings on the Schedule SE and multiply this amount by 92.35% to arrive at the total taxable amount. (The first 7.65% of net earnings is not subject to tax.)

Is self-employment tax calculated before standard deduction? ›

The tax carries to the end of your tax return, after your regular tax is calculated. The standard deduction or itemized deductions, nonrefundable tax credits, and exemptions reduce any regular income tax you might pay. They don't impact the SE tax. Only business expenses on the Schedule C can reduce your SE tax.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 6046

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.