Your Freelancer Tax Packet, Ready to Print
Answer a few questions about your freelance work. Get a personalized packet with deduction checklists, quarterly tax worksheets, and a document tracker. No account needed.
Step 1: Tell us about your work
Your Tax Packet
Fill in the form and click Generate My Packet to see your personalized tax packet here.
Deductions Freelancers Miss Most Often
Home office simplified method
You can deduct $5 per square foot of your home office, up to 300 square feet (max $1,500). Many freelancers skip this because the regular method feels complicated. The simplified method is straightforward and still saves real money.
Health insurance premiums
If you are not covered by a spouse's employer plan, you can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums as an above-the-line deduction. This is separate from itemizing and many self-employed people forget to claim it.
Mileage tracking gaps
The IRS standard mileage rate changes each year. Track every business trip from day one. A notebook in your car or a simple spreadsheet works. Guessing at year-end is a common audit trigger.
Quarterly estimated payments
If you owe $1,000 or more in tax, the IRS expects quarterly payments. Missing these leads to underpayment penalties. Your packet includes a worksheet to estimate each quarter's amount.
Retirement contributions
SEP-IRA and Solo 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income. You can contribute up to 25% of net self-employment income to a SEP-IRA. Many freelancers leave this money on the table.
Software and subscriptions
Design tools, project management apps, cloud storage, and industry memberships are all deductible. Keep receipts for anything you use primarily for work, even if you also use it personally sometimes.
How to Use This Planner
Enter your details
Pick your freelancer type for a preset checklist, or fill in your own numbers. You only need an estimate. The packet works with partial info too.
Review your packet
The live preview shows your deduction checklist, quarterly tax worksheet, and document tracker. Everything updates as you type.
Print or save
Print the packet for your records. Use the copy link button to save a shareable URL. Save progress to your browser to come back next quarter.
Update quarterly
Revisit every three months. Update your income estimate and expenses, then print a fresh copy. This keeps your estimated payments accurate.
What to know before you start
- This planner is for U.S. 1099 independent contractors and sole proprietors.
- Estimates use the 2026 federal tax brackets and a 15.3% self-employment tax rate.
- State tax rates are approximate. Check your state's department of revenue for exact numbers.
- This is not tax advice. For complex situations (multi-state income, S-Corps, hobby loss rules), talk to a CPA.
- All data stays in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.
Questions Freelancers Ask
Do I need to fill in every field?
No. The packet works with partial info. Fill in what you know and leave the rest blank. You can always come back and update your numbers.
Can I use this if I have a side hustle and a full-time job?
Yes. Enter the income from your freelance work only. The packet focuses on 1099 income and related deductions.
What if I work in more than one state?
Pick your home state for the main packet. Add a note in the worksheet about other states where you earned income. You may need to file in each state.
How often should I update my packet?
Once a quarter works well. Update your income estimate and expenses, then print a fresh copy. This keeps your estimated tax payments on track.
What is the self-employment tax?
Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare. It is 15.3% of your net earnings (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare). You can deduct the employer-equivalent half on your Form 1040.
Should I set up an LLC?
An LLC does not change your tax situation much for most freelancers. It offers liability protection but adds paperwork. Talk to a professional if you are unsure.