MileageWise BlogIRS / Self-employed Taxes

Self-Employed Taxes: A Guide to Payments and Deductions

Self-Employed Tax Hub Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Navigating self-employed taxes can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Self-employed individuals, from freelancers to small business owners, face distinct tax rules. This guide helps you understand what you owe, how to pay, and how to keep more of your hard-earned money. Table of Contents…

What is Form 1040?

Table of Contents DefinitionForm 1040 is the IRS’s primary individual income tax return. It summarizes your total income, adjustments, deductions, and tax credits to calculate your federal income tax liability or refund due. Every U.S. citizen and resident with taxable income typically uses Form 1040 to report earnings from wages, self-employment, investments, and other sources.Who…

What is Schedule C form?

Table of Contents DefinitionSchedule C (Form 1040) is the IRS form used by sole proprietors and single-member LLCs to report profit or loss from a business. It allows you to itemize business income and expenses on your individual tax return, calculating your net self-employment earnings subject to income and self-employment taxes.Who Should FileSelf-Employed Individuals: Freelancers,…

What is a Schedule A form?

Table of Contents DefinitionSchedule A is the IRS form used by individual taxpayers to itemize deductions on their Form 1040. Instead of taking the standard deduction, filers list eligible expenses—such as mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable gifts, and certain medical out-of-pocket costs—to reduce their taxable income.Who Should File Schedule AYou should complete Schedule…

What is a 1099 Form?

Table of Contents The term 1099 Form refers to a family of IRS tax documents used to report various types of income outside of regular wages, salaries, and tips. Payers issue these forms to recipients and also file copies with the IRS to ensure all taxable payments—such as freelance fees, interest, dividends, and rent—are properly…