4 Overlooked Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed
Don't miss these deductions if you work for yourself.
Have you recently gone into business for yourself? Check out these ways to make tax law work for you.
1. Home-Office Deductions
The key to this deduction is to use part of your home or apartment regularly and exclusively for your money-making endeavor.
2. Health Insurance Premiums
You can deduct what you pay for medical insurance for yourself and your family whether or not you itemize.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
3. Social Security Taxes You Pay
If you’re self-employed and have to pay the full 15.3% tax yourself, you get to write off half of what you pay.
4. Retirement Tax Shelters
Once you start working for yourself, the door opens wide to tax-sheltered retirement plans.
Learn about more overlooked tax breaks for the self-employed.
-
Small Caps Can Only Lead Stocks So High: Stock Market TodayThe main U.S. equity indexes were down for the week, but small-cap stocks look as healthy as they ever have.
-
Ask the Editor: Tips for Filing Your 1040Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on preparing and filing your 2025 Form 1040.
-
Is Direct Primary Care Right for Your Health Needs?With the direct primary care model, you pay a membership fee for more personalized medical services.
-
2026 State Tax Changes to Know Now: Is Your Tax Rate Lower?Tax Changes As a new year begins, taxpayers across the country are navigating a new round of state tax changes.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction for 2026Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
-
Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
Tax Refund Alert: House GOP Predicts 'Average' $1,000 Payouts in 2026Tax Refunds Here's how the IRS tax refund outlook for 2026 is changing and what steps you can take now to prepare.
-
New IRS Changes to FSA Contribution Limits for 2026: What to KnowHealth Care Flexible Spending Accounts have tax advantages worth looking into, especially in light of new IRS changes.
