Freelance tax guides
Practical articles for freelancers and 1099 contractors planning estimated taxes, deductions, state payments, and cash flow in 2026.
2026-09-05
Most tax advice for freelancers is generic. Here's what actually moved the needle on my bill — with specific numbers and a hard deadline of December 31, 2026.
Read article2026-09-05
Q4 is the last chance to reduce your 2026 tax bill. Here's a practical checklist of what actually matters — and what's just noise.
Read article2026-09-05
The fourth quarter estimated tax payment covers September through December. Here's how to calculate what you owe and why January 15 matters more than most people realize.
Read article2026-09-05
CPA fees run $300-800 for a freelance tax return. Here's an honest breakdown of when it's worth it and when you're paying for something you could do yourself.
Read article2026-08-15
Calculate your 2026 Obamacare health insurance subsidy based on income and household size. Includes the 400% FPL cliff that returned in 2026.
Read article2026-08-15
The safe harbor rule lets freelancers avoid IRS underpayment penalties by paying a set amount each quarter regardless of actual income.
Read article2026-08-15
The Kaiser Family Foundation subsidy calculator is a popular tool for estimating ACA subsidies. Here's how it compares for 2026 with the cliff restored.
Read article2026-08-15
If your actual income exceeded your ACA estimate, you may owe back some or all of your advance Premium Tax Credit. Here's how repayment works in 2026.
Read article2026-08-15
A complete guide to quarterly estimated tax payments for freelancers and independent contractors in 2026, including deadlines, calculation methods, and how to pay.
Read article2026-07-18
The third quarter estimated tax payment is due September 15. Here's exactly what to pay, how to calculate it, and what happens if you miss it.
Read article2026-07-18
If you missed your first or second quarter estimated tax payment, you're not alone - and it's not too late to minimize the damage.
Read article2026-07-18
A practical checklist for freelancers and 1099 contractors to prepare for the Q3 estimated tax deadline.
Read article2026-07-18
IRS Direct Pay lets you pay your quarterly estimated taxes in minutes with no account required. Here's exactly how to do it.
Read article2026-07-02
The enhanced ACA subsidies expired December 31, 2025. The 400% FPL cliff is back in 2026, and many freelancers are paying significantly more for health insurance. Here's what changed and what you can do.
Read article2026-07-01
Use our freelance rate calculator to find the minimum hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rate you need after taxes, expenses, benefits, and unpaid time.
Read article2026-07-01
Selling on Etsy means you're self-employed — here's exactly how to calculate and pay your quarterly estimated taxes without overpaying.
Read article2026-07-01
Rideshare drivers receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K from Uber and Lyft — not a W-2. Here's how to handle your quarterly estimated taxes and keep more of what you earn.
Read article2026-07-01
A SEP-IRA can help self-employed people reduce taxable income while saving for retirement. Here's how it works and how to estimate your maximum contribution.
Read article2026-07-01
If you work from home as a freelancer, you can deduct your home office — but only if it meets IRS requirements. Here's how to calculate it both ways and choose the better method.
Read article2026-07-01
Switching from employee to freelancer means your tax bill changes significantly. Here's the exact difference between 1099 and W-2 taxation — with real numbers.
Read article2026-07-01
Form 1040-ES is how you calculate and pay quarterly estimated taxes. Here's a plain-English walkthrough of every line — with an example.
Read article2026-01-10
A practical walkthrough for turning freelance profit into a 2026 quarterly estimated tax target.
Read article2026-01-18
Learn how prior-year tax safe harbor rules can help freelancers avoid federal underpayment penalties.
Read article2026-02-02
A plain-English guide to common deductions that can reduce taxable freelance profit.
Read article2026-02-14
Understand Social Security, Medicare, and why self-employed taxpayers feel a bigger tax bite.
Read article2026-03-01
Remote work can complicate state tax planning. Here is what freelancers should watch.
Read article2026-03-18
A cash-flow system for saving tax money before quarterly deadlines arrive.
Read article