You run your own business if you work as a freelance social media influencer. Your own hours, fee, and customers are up to you. The luxury of working from home is available, but it frequently has a price. Maximizing 1099 tax savings and filing taxes are two of these freelancers’ biggest challenges. While working for yourself has many benefits, including greater flexibility and earning potential, many independent contractors fail to take advantage of self-employment deductions they are entitled to, which results in them paying much more in taxes than they should have. Let’s examine some tax breaks available to independent social media influencers so they can pay less in taxes.
1. Business equipment
You probably do your freelance work at home. If your home office serves as your primary place of business, you are eligible to claim a tax deduction. If the portion of the home used for work-related activities satisfies the requirements, the IRS permits taxpayers to claim the home office deduction. This deduction includes all expenses, including utilities, office supplies, and a portion of rent or mortgage interest. Keep track of all of your office supply receipts and business expenses throughout the entire year. The following office supplies are deductible:
- Printing and stationery supplies – Ink and toner cartridges
- Supplies and labels for shipments – Computer and tools
2. Costs related to marketing and advertising
When it comes to freelancing, marketing and advertising costs are deductible. You are accountable for marketing your services because you are your own boss, and the IRS acknowledges this by allowing freelancers to write off such costs. You can deduct any costs you incurred to market your services, including those related to brochure production, networking events, and social media advertising.
3. Travel costs
All of the costs you incur while away from your home office are tax deductible if your social media influencer speech, video, or post requires you to travel. This covers things like lodging, meals, and transportation. Keep thorough records of all business-related expenses when traveling for work so you can deduct them at the end of the tax year. The following are a few examples of deductible travel expenses:
- Train or airline tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Travel (taxis, rental vehicles, flights, etc.)
- Food and entertainment
4. Tools and technology
Technology is a crucial component of your business as a freelance social media influencer. Software, hardware, and subscription costs are all deductible as business expenses for tax purposes. Additionally, you are able to deduct the cost of depreciating tools like cameras and computers that you need for work. Throughout the year, don’t forget to save all of your invoices and receipts for technology, supplies, and subscriptions/tax software.
5. Instruction and learning
Successful freelancers pride themselves on their ongoing development and self-education. You can deduct from your taxes any costs you incurred when expanding your skill set or going to conferences, training sessions, and seminars that were specifically related to your line of work. Such costs include, for instance:
Books, magazines, eBooks, or audiobooks pertinent to your field; Certifications and courses; Workshops and conferences;
6. Premiums for health insurance
Freelancers aren’t automatically allowed to enroll in employer-sponsored health plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t write off the cost of your health insurance as an expense for your business. All of your health insurance costs as an independent contractor can be written off as a business expense. Keep records and keep track of each and every one of your annual medical costs.
Social media influencers who work for themselves need to be aware of these deductions as well as the requirements for filing estimated taxes. By using estimated taxes, the majority of independent contractors cover their own social security and Medicare taxes. Each quarter, you should pay your estimated self-employment tax. To help you prepare quarterly estimates and make sure you’re not underpaying or overpaying, it’s crucial to collaborate with a reputable tax expert.
With all the benefits that come with being a freelancer, there are also many obligations, particularly in regards to taxes. As a freelance social media influencer, make sure you are aware of all the tax deductions to which you are entitled in order to reduce your tax liability. To ensure that your taxes are filed correctly, you should also be aware of the requirements for filing estimated taxes and seek professional advice. You can estimate the amount of estimated taxes you will have to pay for a particular year or quarter by using a tax calculator for independent contractors or a 1099 quarterly tax calculator.
In conclusion, it’s a good idea to work with a tax professional or use tax software in order to take advantage of all of your eligible tax deductions.
