What Is a Self-Employment Expense Tax Break Credit?

 

When you are trying to make a living, every dollar you can save helps. Many self-employed people qualify for various types of tax break credit that they may have previously assumed were unavailable to them. There are also several deductions that those in business for themselves can claim when they file their federal taxes.

Tax Credits

The Earned Income Tax Credit is useful in reducing the taxes of those who earn low to moderate income. This includes self-employed people who qualify for the credit. The overall criteria for qualification are:

  • 25-65 years of age
  • Must have lived in U.S. for at least six months
  • Cannot be claimed as dependent
  • Cannot file separately if married

The factors taken into consideration when determining eligibility are adjusted gross income, invested income and earned income. Of course, the overall acceptable income range varies depending on whether a person is filing as single or married filing jointly. If there are dependents involved, that number is also factored in.

Tax Deductions

Like tax credits, tax deductions can lower your total tax. The difference is that, whereas a credit directly lowers the tax owed, a deduction reduces your taxable income. Those who work for themselves can deduct various self-employment expense items when they file:

  • Employer portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes
  • Home office
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Business outings, such as meals or entertainment
  • Internet and phone
  • Transportation
  • Business travel
  • Continuing education relevant to your business
  • Business loan interest
  • Self-employed retirement plans

Everyone wants to save as much money as possible on their taxes. To do so, itemize all your deductions and take all the credits for which you are eligible.

GovDocFiling can simplify your life by helping you file business-related forms. To get your self-employed business off the ground, start by reading about the sample tax ID to discover what kind of forms you need to fill out and fill out our online EIN number application.