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Freelancer Tax Blog

Updated guides on self-employment taxes, deductions, quarterly payments, and IRS compliance. Last updated July 14, 2026.

New — July 14, 2026

Self-Employment Tax Explained: How the 15.3% Really Works (2026)

Breaking down exactly how self-employment tax is calculated, the Social Security wage base limit ($176,100), the 92.35% multiplier, and how to reduce your SE tax burden legally. Essential reading for every new freelancer.

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New — July 14, 2026

Mileage Tracking for Freelancers: IRS Rules, Apps & Deduction Strategies (2026)

Standard mileage rate (72.5¢/mile) vs actual expenses, required contemporaneous records, best tracking apps, and how to survive an IRS mileage audit. Real-world example: DoorDash driver saving $6,000+.

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IRS Estimated Tax Penalties: How to Avoid Them (2026)

Safe harbor rules, Form 2210 calculations, waiver options, and catch-up strategies for freelancers who missed quarterly payments.

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Simple Bookkeeping for Freelancers: A Practical Guide (2026)

Cash vs accrual accounting, record retention rules, spreadsheet vs software choices, and weekly bookkeeping routines that save hours.

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How to Pay Estimated Quarterly Taxes: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Deadlines, safe harbor rules, IRS payment methods, and penalty avoidance. Everything you need to stay compliant as a 1099 worker.

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Self-Employment Tax Deductions: The Complete List for Freelancers (2026)

Home office, mileage, health insurance, retirement contributions, equipment, and more. The full A-Z of write-offs every freelancer should know.

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1099 vs W-2: The Tax Difference Explained (2026)

Why your classification matters, what extra taxes 1099 workers pay, and how to tell if you're being misclassified by your employer.

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IRS Audit Guide for Freelancers: What to Expect & How to Prepare (2026)

What triggers IRS audits for self-employed workers, the three types of audits, how to organize records, what not to say, and when to hire representation.

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Freelancer Retirement Planning: Solo 401(k), SEP-IRA & Roth (2026)

Contribution limits, tax advantages, Solo 401(k) vs SEP-IRA comparison, how to calculate your maximum deduction, and where to open a retirement account.

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