Schedule C Deduction List
Enter each Schedule C expense category for 2026 and watch net profit on line 31 — and the tax it drives — update as you go.
Most 1099 workers overpay because they only claim two or three categories. Walk the full list once and you rarely leave money behind again.
Schedule C, line by line
These fields follow Form 1040 Schedule C: gross receipts at the top, cost of goods sold in Part III, ordinary expenses in Part II, and vehicle mileage in Part IV. Fill in what applies and the net profit on line 31 is calculated for you.
Line 31 — Net profit
$46,150
Self-employment tax
$6,521
Quarterly payment
$2,716
Schedule C summary
Gross receipts (line 1)$58,000
Returns & COGS− $0
Gross profit (line 7)$58,000
Vehicle mileage (line 9)− $7,700
Other Part II expenses− $3,650
Home office (line 30)− $500
Net profit (line 31)$46,150
Tax flowing from line 31
Self-employment tax (Schedule SE)$6,521
Half of SE tax deducted− $3,260
Federal income tax$2,967
CA state tax (est.)$2,491
Total tax$11,979
Effective rate on receipts20.7%
Line 31 net profit carries to Schedule 1 and to Schedule SE. A loss can offset other income, but three loss years in five invites a hobby-loss challenge. Estimates only — not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
- What expenses go on Schedule C?
- Part II covers advertising, car and truck expenses, commissions, contract labor, insurance, interest, legal and professional fees, office expense, rent, repairs, supplies, taxes and licenses, travel, meals, utilities, and an 'other expenses' line for anything else that is ordinary and necessary.
- Where does mileage go on Schedule C?
- Line 9, car and truck expenses. Multiply business miles by the 2026 standard rate of $0.70, or use actual costs — but stay consistent with the method you started with for that vehicle.
- Is the home office deduction on Schedule C?
- Yes, line 30. Use the simplified $5 per square foot up to 300 square feet, or Form 8829 for the actual expense method.
- Are business meals deductible?
- Business meals are generally 50% deductible when there is a clear business purpose. Meals eaten alone while working are not deductible.
- What is line 31 on Schedule C?
- Net profit or loss — gross income minus every expense. It flows to Schedule 1 for income tax and to Schedule SE for self-employment tax.
- Do I need receipts for every deduction?
- You need records that substantiate the amount, date, and business purpose. Bank and card statements plus a mileage log usually suffice; keep them for at least three years.
Related calculators
- Etsy Tax Calculator1099-K gross sales, Etsy fees, COGS and shipping for handmade sellers.
- Self-Employed Tax Planning CalculatorModel retirement, health premiums, and expenses before year-end.
- Contractor Tax CalculatorFederal + SE + state tax on 1099-NEC contract income.
- Schedule C CalculatorBuild Form 1040 Schedule C line by line to net profit on line 31.
Related blog posts
- The Gig Economy Tax Guide for the USA (2026)Complete 2026 US gig economy tax guide — 1099 forms, Schedule C, SE tax, quarterly payments, deductions, and state rules for every gig platform.
- Solo 401(k) vs SEP-IRA for Gig Workers: Which Saves More Tax in 2026?Compare Solo 401(k) and SEP-IRA for 1099 gig workers in 2026: contribution limits, tax savings, deadlines, and which plan lets you shelter more income.
- Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction: 2026 Rules and ExamplesHow 1099 workers deduct 100% of health, dental, and long-term care premiums in 2026 — eligibility, marketplace subsidies, the earned-income limit, and worked examples.
- Schedule C Line-by-Line: The 2026 Guide for 1099 Gig WorkersEvery Schedule C line explained for 1099 gig workers in 2026 — with DoorDash, Uber, and freelance examples, plus the exact expense categories to use.