Freelancers also get stressed out, even though they have the flexibility of working at any time and from any location. There are deadlines to meet if a freelancer wants to get paid on time and have more clients to network with in the freelance business.
Freelancers do not evade tax; they pay too as it is a civic responsibility. Freelancing is associated with independence and flexibility in many areas including taxes. As a freelancer, you might not know some of the freelance tax benefits that you have, and that may have some negative effect on your business.
With the help of a tax professional or consultant, you can know the tax deductions that you can claim. Freelance tax avoidance is similar to freelance tax benefits because you become familiarized with how to cut your tax legally through the benefits available to you. Tax seasons can stress you out, especially if you have busy schedules already, but you can always prepare in advance for it.
Knowing what to deduct from your taxes, no matter how you read about it, might not be effective if you do not hire the services of an accountant or tax consultant. The only exception is if you are an accountant or tax consultant yourself because there are so many things that you will not see but is visible to your tax consultant. This will help you maximize your freelance tax benefits.
Most deduction or freelance tax benefits are filed using "Form 1040, Schedule C". As you read on, you will discover the list of freelance tax benefits you can claim.
Legal freelance tax benefits you can make
1. Office space freelance tax benefits
By filling line 30 of "Form 1040, Schedule C," you can have this deduction made from your taxes. As a freelancer, you can claim up to 300 square feet for $5 a square foot. This is acceptable whether you rent or own the place you do business from. The office space deduction is the most significant freelance tax benefit that you can get.
2. Software and hardware freelance tax benefits
If you happen to be a freelance content writer that uses both hardware and software like your PC and Grammarly, you can have their expenses deducted from your taxes, if you can prove that they are relevant.
3. Health insurance freelance tax benefits
On line 1 of "Form 1040, Schedule A", you can claim your health insurance. This is only possible for a freelancer that had a net profit. It covers any dental, medical, or long term health insurance premiums that you have subscribed to.
4. Office supplies freelance tax benefits
On line 18 of "Form 1040, Schedule C", you can have this deducted. Put it in mind to keep your tax receipts when you make purchases in this line, as you will need the total later.
5. Educational expenses and professional development freelance tax benefits
This is very important, as everyone should get better at what they do, you might need to attend a conference or enroll in a class even as you freelance. This cost must be reported to the IRS through the use of "Form 1040, Schedule C", "Form 1040, Schedule C-EZ", or "Form 1040, Schedule F".
Conclusion
There are more legal freelance tax benefits available than what has been discussed. This is just an introduction to the basics; some other business expenses can be depreciated and amortized. Those are annual depreciation of tangible and intangible assets that you can deduct every year for years.
One of the things to remember when you are not sure if something is part of your freelance tax benefits is to ask if that expense is necessary for your line of work.
This same question will be asked by the IRS from you when examining your freelance tax benefits during an audit. If the answer to the question is 'No,' do not deduct. If you are not sure of what it is, seek help from a tax professional.
