Plain-English guides from TaxNinja on freelancer taxes, IRS deductions, and quarterly payments. No jargon. No fluff.
From self-employment tax to IRS Schedule C deductions, quarterly payments, and the biggest write-offs freelancers miss — this is the complete guide to understanding your taxes as a 1099 worker in 2026. Updated for current IRS rates and deduction limits.
Read the full guide →Published October 3, 2026
Paying a designer, VA, or developer to help with your work? Those payments belong on Schedule C Line 11 — and most freelancers never claim them. Here's what counts, plus the 1099-NEC rules for 2026.
Published September 19, 2026
Have a regular job and a side freelance income? Your employer's withholding doesn't cover your 1099 taxes — and the combined effective rate surprises most people. Here's the clear breakdown.
Published August 7, 2026
Missed a quarterly deadline? Here's the honest truth about the penalty, how it's calculated with real numbers, when the IRS actually lets you off the hook, and what to do right now.
Published July 25, 2026
Freelancers can shelter up to $70,000 of income from taxes through retirement accounts.[IRS.gov] SEP-IRA and Solo 401k both qualify — but which one is right for your 2026 tax situation?
Published July 20, 2026
Not sure how much to save from every freelance payment? The 25-30% rule is a simple guideline that keeps most freelancers safe from an unexpected tax bill — here's how to apply it.
Published July 16, 2026
The IRS standard mileage rate[IRS.gov] for 2026 applies to every business mile you drive — client visits, supply runs, bank trips. Here's exactly how to calculate and claim this deduction.
Published July 12, 2026
The home office deduction is worth up to $1,500 a year using the simplified method — and potentially much more using actual expenses. Here's how to choose the right method for 2026.
Published July 8, 2026
Self-employment tax is the 15.3%[IRS.gov] that catches every new freelancer off guard. Learn how it's calculated for 2026, why you pay it, and the legal strategies that bring your bill down.
Published July 5, 2026
Schedule C is the form every freelancer files to report business income and expenses. A plain-English walkthrough of every section, updated for the 2026 filing season.
Published July 1, 2026
Everything you need to know about paying quarterly estimated taxes as a freelancer in 2026 — due dates, how to calculate your payments, and what happens if you miss one.
Published June 25, 2026
Most 1099 workers leave hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the table every tax season. These are the deductions they forget to claim — updated for 2026 IRS rules and deduction limits.
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