Quick answer: Commonly missed freelancer deductions include the home office, the business share of phone and internet, business mileage (72.5¢/mile in 2026), platform and payment fees, self-employed health insurance, retirement contributions, education, software, half of self-employment tax, and the QBI deduction.
Stop leaving money on the table—these overlooked deductions can boost your tax savings.
Introduction
Freelancers wear a lot of hats—and when tax season rolls around, many of us rush through the expense side and miss deductions we’re entitled to. Every legitimate write-off lowers your income tax and your self-employment tax, so finding a few extra hundred dollars of expenses adds up fast.
Here are the deductions freelancers most often forget.
Catch every write-offThe Creator’s Tax Decoder sorts your costs into the right categories.
Get the Decoder1. 🏠 Home office
If part of your home is used regularly and exclusively for work, you may qualify. The simplified method gives you $5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet ($1,500). Renters qualify too.
2. 📱 Phone and internet
You can deduct the business-use percentage of your phone and internet bills. If you use your phone for work about 60% of the time, 60% of the bill may be deductible.
3. 🚗 Business mileage
Driving to client meetings, shoots, the post office, or a coworking space counts. For 2026, the standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile. Keep a log with dates, destinations, and purpose.
4. 💳 Platform and payment fees
Upwork service fees, Fiverr fees, PayPal and Stripe processing fees, and Etsy listing fees are all business expenses. They’re easy to miss because they’re taken out before you get paid. Report the gross amount as income, then deduct the fees.
5. 🧑⚕️ Self-employed health insurance
If you pay for your own health insurance and aren’t eligible for an employer plan, you may be able to deduct your premiums, including coverage for your spouse and dependents.
6. 🏦 Retirement contributions
Contributions to a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) can lower your taxable income while building your future. For 2026, a Solo 401(k) allows employee deferrals of up to $24,500, plus employer contributions, and a SEP-IRA allows up to $72,000.
7. 📚 Education and professional development
Courses, workshops, books, and conferences that maintain or improve skills for your current work are generally deductible.
8. 🧾 Half of your self-employment tax
You don’t have to do anything special here—tax software handles it—but it’s good to know: you can deduct half of your self-employment tax when calculating your adjusted gross income.
9. 💻 Software and subscriptions
Project management tools, design apps, accounting software, cloud storage, password managers, and even professional memberships count. Review your credit card statement for small recurring charges.
10. 🧮 The QBI deduction
Many freelancers qualify for the Qualified Business Income deduction, which can let you deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income. Income limits and other rules apply, so ask your tax pro.
✅ The takeaway
The best way to catch every deduction is to track as you go. A monthly bookkeeping routine and a category-based spreadsheet mean nothing slips through the cracks. Taylor’s Toolkit templates include these categories so you can see your write-offs add up all year.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the business-use percentage. If you use your phone for work 60% of the time, you can generally deduct 60% of the bill.
Yes. Report the gross amount you earned as income, then deduct platform and payment processing fees as business expenses.
The Qualified Business Income deduction lets many self-employed people deduct up to 20% of qualified business income, subject to income limits and other rules.
This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t tax or legal advice. Figures reflect IRS guidance for 2026; check with a qualified tax professional about your situation.
