Eight Deductions Taxpayers Need to Know if They’re Self-Employed or Have a Side Gig

“If you are self-employed in America’s rapidly expanding gig economy, there are a lot of options to help you pay less on your taxes,” said Mark Steber, Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt. “The US government wants to encourage you to seek a side job or start a business and employ people so there are a lot of deductions you may be able to qualify for if you know about them. I recommend all self-employed taxpayers see a Tax Pro each and every year to determine what deductions may be available to get the maximum refund they deserve.”

One of the most important benefits for the self-employed is the new Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. Self-employed workers and small business owners might qualify for a 20% deduction of eligible business income before taxes.

In addition to the QBI deduction, Jackson Hewitt is reminding taxpayers about seven more deductions available to gig-economy workers, freelancers, contractors, the self-employed, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Depending on their profession and whether they qualify for these deductions, these taxpayers may be able to deduct:

The expenses associated with a home office as well as equipment and supplies. Self-employed workers, as well as those who operate a farm, are the only taxpayers allowed to claim the home office deduction. The IRS describes an office-in-home as an area separated from the living part of the home, when used exclusively for business purposes, such as meeting with clients, maintaining books, or conducting other business-related needs. The area must be part of your home used solely for conducting business, such as a spare room or study. This means that sitting at your kitchen table drafting emails or walking the dog during a conference call does not qualify as a home office in the eyes of the IRS.
Maintenance and repairs for vehicle upkeep and expenses, including gas and oil, registration fees, insurance, parking fees and tolls, and depreciation (if the vehicle is owned), or leasing costs. These may include the fees paid to a cab company for using its cars, or rental fees for a truck driver's trailer. Taxpayers should keep a log of all vehicle expenses (this includes business and personal), miles that were driven for business, and total mileage for the year, to determine the business portion of the expenses.
Business-related travel expenses including transportation, lodging, and incidental expenses such as laundry, phones, maid service, and others.
State and local government licensing and regulatory fees as well as liability insurance premiums.
Union and trade association dues as well as subscriptions to trade publications.
Continuing education for the taxpayer and any employees.
Self-employed taxpayers can deduct one-half of their self-employment (SE) taxes and all of their qualified health insurance costs directly on Form 1040 Schedule 1 and Form 1040/ 1040-SR.

For more tax tips, watch the latest video in the Jackson Hewitt YouTube series “Tax File Minute: Answers from a Tax Insider,” where Mark Steber, covers the top issues self-employed taxpayers need to know about their taxes.

During the 2020-2021 tax season, Jackson Hewitt's offices are committed to keeping their clients, staff, and communities safe with safety protocols designed to meet local, state, and federal guidelines. Jackson Hewitt offers many ways to file. Choose to make an appointment at your nearest location to file in an office or drop off your documents, or file from the comfort of your home with Jackson Hewitt Online or Tax Pro From Home. Visit jacksonhewitt.com to learn more about how to file with Jackson Hewitt.

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is an innovator in the tax industry, with a mission to provide its hard-working clients access to simple, low-cost solutions to manage their taxes and tax refunds. Jackson Hewitt is devoted to helping clients get ahead and stands behind its work with its Maximum Refund Guarantee and Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee^® (restrictions apply, see Jackson Hewitt’s website for more details). Clients can choose to file at one of Jackson Hewitt's nearly 6,000 franchised and company-owned locations, including 3,000 in Walmart stores and online, making it easy and convenient for clients to file their taxes. For more information about products, services, and offers, or to locate a Jackson Hewitt office, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1 (800) 234-1040.

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