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.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
The Five Social Security Blind Spots Retirees Often Miss
Understand how benefits work before applying, so you don’t lose money for which you qualify.
-
Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit New Highs After Vietnam Trade Deal
Ahead of a key July 9 tariff deadline, President Trump said the U.S. has reached a trade deal with Vietnam.
-
Elon Musk and Most Taxpayers Don't Like What's in Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Tax Policy President Trump is betting big on his newest tax cuts being passed by July 4. But not everyone is on board.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'
Tax Deductions The latest GOP tax bill might make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
No Social Security Tax Cuts in Trump’s 'Big Bill'? What Retirees Need to Know
Tax Policy Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits is missing from President Trump’s proposed tax overhaul. Here’s why and what an alternative offering could mean for retirement taxes.
-
Five Surprising GOP Senate Bill Tax Changes to Know
Tax Policy Senate Republicans proposed tax changes for Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill.” Some provisions have stirred debate.
-
Senate Approves $6,000 'Bonus' Tax Deduction for Those Age 65 and Older
Tax Reform Under Trump’s ‘big bill,’ the U.S. Senate has proposed a larger bonus tax deduction for older adults than the House. Will it be enacted?
-
Don't Miss These Four Tax Breaks for Americans Living Abroad in 2025
International Tax U.S. expats can reduce their tax burden by taking advantage of a handful of tax credits and deductions.
-
Summer Backyard Ideas With Added Tax Benefits for 2025
Tax Tips Find out how these summer 2025 home projects can help you save on taxes next year.
-
Why Your California Utility Bill Could Increase Under Trump's Tax Plan
State Tax Energy bills in the Golden State may shock you if Republican lawmakers in Congress remove certain energy tax credits through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.'