Learn
Plain-English guides for freelancers, gig workers and other simple Schedule C filers. Educational only — not tax advice.
How much to set aside for taxes on 1099 income
No employer withholds for freelancers. Here's how to think about setting money aside as you earn — with a rough estimator.
Are your records ready for Schedule C? A checklist
The income, expense and continuity records that make Schedule C filing smooth — and what to rebuild if they're missing.
Quarterly estimated taxes: deadlines and penalties
What estimated payments are, the four annual deadlines, and the records to keep so they reconcile.
Standard mileage vs actual expenses for drivers
Two ways to deduct business driving, the records each needs, and why actual expenses usually means talking to a pro.
1099-K vs 1099-NEC — and what if there's no form
How platform and contract income forms differ, and why you report income even when no form arrives.
Home office: who actually qualifies (and why not everyone)
The exclusive-use standard and why home office questions are worth a CPA/EA conversation.
What to prepare before you file
A short readiness pass to do before opening any tax software or meeting a preparer.
A letter from the IRS or your state: what it means
Why notices have deadlines and why they're a reason to involve a CPA/EA before filing.
Expenses freelancers forget to deduct
Ordinary-and-necessary business costs that are easy to overlook when records are messy.
Extended to October 15? Your plan
An extension moves the filing deadline, not the payment deadline — here's how to use the time.
Not sure where you stand?
Run the free 2–4 minute readiness check — no SSN, tax forms or bank data — and see exactly which records you're missing.
Check your tax-readiness