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8 of the smartest and most overlooked freelance tax write-offs – plus where to find them inside FreeTaxUSA
The MeltzerSeltzer Team
Paying taxes as a freelancer can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded—especially when you're trying to figure out what you can actually write off. Last year, I paid $250 just to file with TurboTax. This year? I filed with FreeTaxUSA for just $15. And guess what – I still got all the deductions I qualified for.
If you’re a freelance writer (or any kind of self-employed creative), you might be leaving money on the table. Below, I’ve rounded up 8 of the smartest and most overlooked freelance tax write-offs – plus where to find them inside FreeTaxUSA, my go-to affordable tax software.
1. Books, Courses & Coaching
Investing in your skills? That’s deductible. Whether it’s a course on SEO, a stack of industry books, or a business coach (like me), it counts as professional development.
🇺🇸 After logging into FreeTaxUSA, go to the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section. Under "Expenses", select "Other Expenses". Here, you can itemize costs related to professional development, such as books, courses, and coaching that are ordinary and necessary for your business.
2. Home Office
If you regularly use part of your home exclusively for work, you can deduct related expenses – like a portion of your rent, utilities, and internet. Even a corner of your living room qualifies if it’s a true workspace.
🇺🇸 Within the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section, find the "Home Office" subsection. FreeTaxUSA will guide you through entering the square footage of your home and the office space used exclusively for business. Based on this, it will calculate the deductible portion of your home expenses.
3. Health Insurance Premiums
Paying for your own health insurance? You may be able to deduct those premiums, especially if you’re self-employed and not eligible for an employer plan.
🇺🇸 Navigate to the "Deductions/Credits" section. Select "Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction". Enter the amount you paid for health insurance premiums for yourself and your family. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for this deduction.
4. Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI)
This one’s big: many freelancers can deduct up to 30% of their net income under the QBI deduction. It’s not automatic with all software or accountants, so you may have to talk to a tax pro to see if you qualify.
🇺🇸 FreeTaxUSA automatically calculates the QBI deduction based on your business income. Ensure all business income and expenses are accurately reported in the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section. The software will compute the QBI deduction accordingly. Don't see it but think you qualify? You may need to speak to a tax pro.
5. Business Software & Subscriptions
Tools like Canva, Notion, Google Workspace, Adobe, or Zoom? If you use them for work, they’re fair game.
🇺🇸 Within the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section, go to "Expenses". Choose "Other Expenses" and list costs for business-related software and subscriptions, such as design tools, project management apps, or communication platforms.
6. Phone & Internet Bills
If you use your phone and Wi-Fi for work (who doesn’t?), you can deduct a portion based on business use.
🇺🇸 In the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section, under "Expenses", select "Utilities". Input the portion of your phone and internet expenses that are attributable to business use. It's advisable to maintain records supporting the business use percentage.
7. Mileage & Travel
Client meetings at cafés, conferences, coffee shop work sessions – all can qualify. Keep a mileage log or use a tracker app.
🇺🇸 Within the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section, find the "Vehicle Expenses" subsection. Enter details about your vehicle, including total miles driven and miles driven for business purposes. FreeTaxUSA will calculate the deductible amount based on the standard mileage rate. For other travel expenses, use the "Travel" category under "Expenses".
8. Professional Services
Accountants, legal fees, or even a website designer—they’re all deductible if they support your biz.
🇺🇸 In the "Business Income (Schedule C)" section, under "Expenses", select "Legal and Professional Services". Input amounts paid for professional services that are directly related to your business operations.
🚨 Disclaimer: I’m not a tax professional, and this isn’t financial or tax advice. Always consult a certified tax expert or accountant to understand what applies to your specific situation.
🚫 This is not sponsored in any way by FreeTaxUSA. I just genuinely love their software (way more than TurboTax) and I want to make these tips as easy as possible for you to use!
FAQ: Freelance Tax Write-Offs
What qualifies as a business expense for freelancers?
Anything that is ordinary and necessary for your business—like software, internet, professional development, or travel—may qualify. Always keep records and receipts.
Can I write off my entire phone bill or internet?
Not usually. You can deduct the portion used for business. For example, if you use your phone 60% for business, you can deduct 60% of the bill.
How do I know if my home office qualifies?
It must be used regularly and exclusively for business. A dedicated desk or corner that no one else uses for personal activities is often enough.
What if I use multiple tools like Canva and Notion?
You can deduct each tool separately under "Other Expenses" as long as it's used for your business.
Do I need a separate bank account or LLC to claim these?
Nope! While it helps with organization, you can claim deductions as a sole proprietor using Schedule C without an LLC or separate account.
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