Blog
IRS news, Schedule C updates, and bookkeeping tips for small business owners.
Schedule C vs. Schedule SE: What's the Difference?
Schedule C calculates profit or loss from a sole proprietorship. Schedule SE calculates self-employment tax on net earnings from self-employment. Learn how the forms connect.
Read article →How Much Should You Set Aside for Self-Employment Taxes?
A practical guide to estimating how much of your self-employment income to save for taxes, why the common 25–30% planning range exists, and how to set aside the right amount for your situation.
Read article →The Self-Employed Home Office Deduction: How It Works
Learn who qualifies for the federal home office deduction, the simplified and actual-expense methods, the exclusive-use rule, and the records a self-employed person should keep.
Read article →Quarterly Estimated Taxes for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
Learn how quarterly estimated taxes work for freelancers and sole proprietors, the 2026 payment deadlines, the safe-harbor rules that help you avoid penalties, and how to pay using Form 1040-ES.
Read article →Standard Mileage vs. Actual Expenses: Which Vehicle Deduction Is Better?
If you drive for your business, you may be able to deduct vehicle costs on Schedule C. This guide compares the standard mileage rate and the actual-expense method, with the records you need for each.
Read article →Self-Employed Tax Deductions You Might Be Missing
Freelancers and sole proprietors may overpay when they overlook allowable deductions. Here are commonly missed self-employment tax deductions and where they belong on your return.
Read article →1099 vs. Schedule C: What's the Difference and How Do They Work Together?
A 1099 is an information return you may receive; Schedule C is the form a sole proprietor files to report business income and expenses. Learn how to reconcile them without missing income or counting it twice.
Read article →Do I Need to File Schedule C? A Guide for Freelancers and Side Hustlers
Learn when sole proprietors, freelancers, and gig workers use Schedule C, how the $400 self-employment tax threshold works, and why a 1099 is not the deciding factor.
Read article →How to Fill Out Schedule C in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical walkthrough of the Schedule C used for 2025 federal returns filed in 2026, including income, expenses, cost of goods sold, vehicle information, home office expenses, and net profit.
Read article →Schedule C Expense Categories: The Complete Line-by-Line List
A practical line-by-line guide to the Schedule C expense categories used for 2025 federal returns filed in 2026, with examples, common mistakes, and links to IRS instructions.
Read article →The IRS Business Tax Account Expanded: What Small Businesses Should Know
The IRS expanded Business Tax Account access to partnerships, tax-exempt organizations, and government entities. Learn what the portal does and which sole proprietors can use it.
Read article →Opportunity Zones: What the 2026 IRS Nomination Guidance Means for 2027
Treasury and the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2026-14 for the first round of Qualified Opportunity Zone designations under the permanent program. Learn the timeline and what small businesses should watch.
Read article →4 Million Children Signed Up for Trump Accounts: What Parents Should Know
The IRS reported more than 4 million Trump Account sign-ups, including more than 1 million pilot contribution elections. Learn who qualifies, when funding begins, and how to submit Form 4547.
Read article →IRS Schedule C Updates for the 2026 Filing Season
Filing a 2025 Schedule C during the 2026 tax season? Review the current mileage rate, Line 27 changes, depreciation updates, and recordkeeping reminders.
Read article →5 Bookkeeping Tips Every Small Business Owner Should Know
Essential bookkeeping practices that will keep your finances organized and your business running smoothly.
Read article →