Guides
Short explainers behind the calculators — SE tax, quarterly set-asides, QBI, mileage, retirement, and pricing.
How self-employment tax works for freelancers
What the 15.3% SE tax covers, how the 92.35% base works, and when it stacks on top of income tax.
How much to set aside for quarterly taxes
A practical set-aside percentage for 1099 income, when the IRS wants four payments, and what happens if you skip one.
QBI deduction for sole proprietors (Section 199A)
Who gets the 20% write-off, how phase-out works for high earners, and what our calculator assumes.
Mileage deduction for freelancers
Standard rate vs actual expenses, what counts as business miles, and the records the IRS expects.
Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA when you are self-employed
Contribution limits, employee deferrals, and which plan fits a solo freelancer with no employees.
How to set a freelance hourly rate that covers tax
Billable hours, overhead, and why your bracket is not the number to plug into pricing.