7 of the biggest tax deductions for the Self-Employed

Being self-employed comes with many advantages, but it also means you're responsible for paying your own taxes. Fortunately, there are several tax deductions available that can help you reduce your taxable income and save money. In this blog, we'll explore the biggest tax deductions for the self-employed. Here are some of the biggest tax deductions for the self-employed:

1. Deducting business expenses:
   
   If you purchase equipment or supplies for your business, you can deduct the cost as a business expense. This includes computers, office furniture, software, and other tools necessary for your business. This can help lower your overall tax liability
   
   
2. Home office deduction:
   
   If you use a portion of your home exclusively for business purposes, you may be able to deduct some of your home expenses, such as rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and insurance. To qualify for the home office deduction, your home office must be your primary place of business, or you must use it regularly and exclusively for business purposes.
   
   
3. Retirement contributions:
   
   The self-employed can contribute a larger percentage of their income to retirement accounts, such as a solo 401(k) or a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA, and may be able to deduct these contributions from their income.
   
   
4. Health insurance deduction:
   
   If you pay for your own health insurance, you may be able to deduct your premiums as a business expense. You can deduct the full cost of your health insurance premiums, as long as you're not eligible to participate in a health plan through your spouse's employer.
   
   
5. Self-employment tax:
   
   Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portion of the Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, you can deduct the employer portion of these taxes as a business expense, which can reduce your taxable income.
   
   
6. Advertising and Promotion Expenses:
   
   If you spend money on advertising and promotion, you can deduct the cost as a business expense. This includes expenses for advertising in print, online, or on the radio, as well as promotional items such as business cards or brochures.
   
   
7. Professional development:
   
   If you take courses or attend conferences to improve your skills or knowledge in your business field, you can deduct the cost of these expenses as a business expense. However, the education or training must be related to your current business or profession.

As a self-employed individual, there are many tax deductions available to help you reduce your taxable income and save money on your taxes. By taking advantage of these deductions, you can keep more of your hard-earned money and invest it back into your business. Remember to keep detailed records of your expenses and consult with a tax professional if you have any questions or concerns about your tax deductions. By joining the USBA, you can consult a tax professional for free or use tax software to ensure you’re taking advantage of all the deductions and credits available to you.