Freelancer Deductions Calculator
Total every 2026 freelance write-off — mileage, home office, phone, software, health premiums, retirement — and see the tax each one saves.
Deductions cut income tax and self-employment tax at the same time, which is why they are worth far more to a freelancer than to an employee.
Your deductions
Stack every 1099 write-off — Schedule C plus above-the-line adjustments.
Total deductions
$15,450
Estimated tax saved
$4,819
Effective savings
31.2%
Deduction breakdown
Mileage (12,000 × $0.7)$8,400
Home office (simplified)$600
Schedule C total$10,050
Above-the-line (health + retirement)$5,400
SE tax reduction (14.13%)$1,420
Income tax reduction$3,399
Total tax saved$4,819
Schedule C deductions reduce both income tax and 15.3% SE tax. Above-the-line deductions cut income tax and AGI-based phaseouts. Estimates only — not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
- What can freelancers deduct in 2026?
- Anything ordinary and necessary for the work: business mileage at $0.70 per mile, a home office, the business share of phone and internet, software and subscriptions, professional fees, equipment, education, bank and platform fees, plus health premiums and retirement contributions as adjustments.
- How much do deductions actually save?
- Each deductible dollar of profit saves your marginal income tax rate plus about 14.1% effective self-employment tax, so a freelancer in the 12% bracket saves roughly 26 cents per dollar and often more once state tax is added.
- Can I deduct a home office as a renter?
- Yes. Rent, utilities, and renter's insurance count under the actual expense method, or use the simplified $5 per square foot up to 300 square feet.
- Is my laptop fully deductible?
- Usually yes, in the year of purchase, via Section 179 or bonus depreciation if it is used more than 50% for business. Prorate the cost if personal use is significant.
- Do retirement contributions reduce self-employment tax?
- No. A SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) reduces income tax only; self-employment tax is computed on profit before those contributions.
- What deductions get freelancers audited?
- Outsized meals, travel that looks personal, 100% business use of a single vehicle or phone, and losses year after year. Claim them accurately, keep records, and none of these are a problem.
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