Spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses
If you have a separate line or internet plan for work, you can deduct 100% off the cost. If you are self-employed and use your phone, computer, or tablet for work, you can deduct the cost on your 1099. If you incur more costs than that for your home office in any given year, you will want to keep detailed records of your expenses and use the standard calculating method. So, the most you can deduct with the simplified method is $1500. The simplified option is calculated by the square footage of your home office, up to 300 square feet, allowing you to write off 5 dollars per square foot. With the standard calculating method, you must use detailed notes about your expenses to show each itemized cost. Similar to calculating vehicle expenses, there are two options for calculating your home office write-off amount. A general rule of thumb to use when calculating your home office expenses – if your office takes up 10% of your home, you can deduct 10% of your utilities, mortgage, and other home expenses. Other than the actual space itself, if your home office is inside your home, you can deduct interest from your mortgage payment, depreciation value of the house, utilities, costs for homeowners’ insurance, and any other repairs or work done. One trick for home office deductions is to keep a blueprint diagram of your home office space – with accurate measurements and notes from any work or repairs incurred. Like all expenses, you are always at risk of an IRS audit, so make sure to keep good records and save receipts. If you pay for a workspace – whether you own or rent the space, the cost can be deducted from your 1099.
![spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses](https://db-excel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/independent-contractor-invoice-template-free-printable-invoice-for-independent-contractor-invoice-sample.jpg)
If you report using the actual expense, you must have detailed and accurate logs of miles, repairs, maintenance, and all other vehicle expenses to report an exact amount.Īnother important deduction for self-employed workers is related to their home offices. Using the standard mileage rate, you calculate 56 cents for each mile driven, which estimates gas, repairs, and other vehicle costs. There are two options for reporting your vehicle costs to calculate your tax write-off: the standard mileage rate and the actual expense report. By saving receipts and keeping detailed notes of your purchases, you can make tax season easier and save money from your tax write-offs.
#Spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses registration#
The best tip is to keep a detailed log of all vehicle expenses and take note of the following: miles driven, gas purchases, repairs and maintenance, licensing and registration fees, car insurance, lease payments, and car washes – these are all costs associated with your vehicle that you can write off. If you use a different vehicle for personal use and work, it might be a little easier to keep track of the miles you drive for work, but if you use the same car for work and personal use, it can get a little tricky. The largest expense that independent contractors and self-employed workers often report is mileage.
![spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses](https://img.etsystatic.com/il/025c88/784559045/il_570xN.784559045_m57j.jpg)
Here is a list of some of the things you can write off on your 1099 if you are self-employed: Many independent contractors lose tons of money each year by overpaying their taxes because they don’t even know about some of the things they can write off. When you file a 1099, you will calculate what you owe for your self-employment tax, the federal income tax, and potentially a state income tax (depending on where you live).
![spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses spreadsheet for independent contractor expenses](https://db-excel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/independent-contractor-spreadsheet-with-regard-to-income-and-expense-spreadsheet-template-excel-laobingkaisuo-in-970x970.jpg)
Whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, or Grubhub on the weekends to earn a little extra cash, or you are the sole owner of your LLC, if you earn income as an independent contractor, you must file a 1099 form with the IRS. Writing off deductible expenses and understanding how self-employment tax works to avoid audits or penalties can help sole proprietors and freelance workers prepare their tax forms, keep track of what they owe, and save money. A significant difference between being self-employed and working in a more traditional role is that instead of taking taxes out of each check, you must file for your taxes each tax season. For self-employed workers and independent contractors, taking advantage of 1099 write-offs is one of the most important things you can do to maximize your potential earnings.