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The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has introduced a wave of tax reforms many of which may benefit freelancers. Among the most impactful changes? A new provision that allows freelancers and gig economy workers to deduct car loan interest when their vehicle is used for business purposes. This marks a significant shift in how self-employed individuals can manage and reduce their taxable income, especially those who rely heavily on their vehicles to earn a living. A few important points in regard to the type of vehicle and loan that qualifies: This deduction is available for new car loans originated after December 31, 2024, used to purchase a qualified vehicl…

Freelancing gives you creative freedom, but it also means you’re solely responsible for your finances. If you’re a designer, writer, consultant, stylist, or any kind of creative solopreneur, the following strategies will help you keep your money working for you — without the fluff. Build a Real Emergency Fund An emergency fund cushions you against surprise expenses such as medical bills, client payment delays, or sudden equipment replacement. A practical guideline is to save three to six months of living expenses. One effective way to build this fund is to treat your contribution like a monthly bill; set aside a fixed amount each month until you reach the target. Aim for …

If you are a freelancer who gives to charity, there’s good news: recent legislation has reshaped how charitable contributions are treated under federal tax law. The Charitable Act (S.317) and the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), both passed in 2025, introduce new opportunities for tax deductions—especially for those who do not itemize—and new limits for high-income donors. Here is what you need to know to make the most of your giving strategy starting in 2026. A new deduction for non-itemizers: Under the Charitable Act, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can now claim a charitable deduction for cash donations to qualified charities. This is a significant shift from t…

The other day, I was cleaning out my storage unit and I stumbled upon a pile of cassette tapes. All of them were my very first voice over demo that I produced way back in 1995. As I held one of them in my hand, I realized that this piece of plastic is a relic. It also dawned on me that this year marks my 30th anniversary as a freelance voice actor. Thirty years?! Wow. It feels like both a lifetime and the blink of an eye all at once. I’ve gone from booking studio time by the hour to editing mp3 auditions on my laptop from a hotel room closet. The technology has changed, trends have come and gone, but the core principles of building a lasting freelance voice over career? T…

We’ve made it to August, the final stretch of summer, and potentially the quietest your inbox has been all year. With seemingly everyone on vacation, you may be wondering: How can I go somewhere? Is it possible to take a vacation as a freelancer? Are vacations only for the non-self-employed? Don’t fret: Freelancers can go on vacation, too. Here are some hacks for planning a vacation — from affordability, to how to remind yourself that you can (and should!) take breaks sometimes. Think of your dream destination — then find a comp Do you dream of going to Paris? Barcelona? Tokyo? If you don’t have the time or budget to go to one of your bucket list destinations, think about…

If you’re a freelancer earning income through a business entity and living in a high-tax state like New York, understanding the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) and its role in offsetting federal tax limitations could directly impact your bottom line. This is especially true with the recent passage of The President’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) which provides sweeping tax reform and expanded tax advantages at both the state and federal levels. Now is the time for freelancers to explore the benefits of strategic entity structuring and SALT workarounds. What Is PTET?The PTET is a state-level workaround created in response to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap impl…

You log off for the night, but your brain stays logged in. The project you didn’t finish hums in the back of your head. Your shoulders ache from hunching over your screen for hours. You’re tired, but not the kind of tired a nap can fix. That foggy, restless, emotionally drained feeling? That’s work-from-home fatigue. Working from home might look effortless from the outside, but it can wear on you in ways office jobs don’t. According to Psychology Today, the blurred lines, isolation, and irregular sleep schedule that often come with remote work can chip away at your mental health. As a freelancer, you may feel this even more intensely, as you don’t have built-in breaks, co…

One of the most challenging parts of freelancing is figuring out what you’re going to do about healthcare. Unlike traditional workplaces, which provide employees with healthcare plans, freelancers typically do not receive insurance plans from their clients. This can often leave freelancers in a precarious position, forcing them to pay high out-of-pocket prices for health insurance plans, relying on a partner’s employer healthcare coverage, or in certain cases, forgoing insurance entirely. New legislation seeks to change this, clearing barriers for clients to disperse money into an independent worker’s account to use for healthcare and other benefits like time off. These a…

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21) was enacted, introducing significant new deductions that can benefit freelance and self-employed individuals. Below are some key quick tips based on the most relevant provisions, along with some initial guidance for maximizing potential tax benefits. As always, it is best to consult a tax professional if you have questions and to consider adjusting your tax plan when warranted: Tip 1: Deduction for Qualified Tips May Ease Tax Burden for Gig Workers Effective from 2025 through 2028, taxpayers in occupations recognized by the IRS as regularly receiving tips may deduct up to $25,000 annually in qualified tip…

One Year Since the Relaunch of the World’s Longest Invoice, Nonpayment Remains a National Crisis One year ago, we relaunched the World’s Longest Invoice to shine a light on one of the most pervasive issues facing independent workers. Since then, the numbers have only grown and they tell a sobering story. In just twelve months, over 1000 freelancers from 44 states have added their names and invoices to the campaign. Together, they’ve reported more than $7.4 million in unpaid wages. These aren’t edge cases or one-off mistakes. They’re evidence of a system that continues to allow clients to delay, avoid, or deny payment with little consequence. Freelancers from nearly every …

There’s never been more freedom for freelance professionals to build businesses around e-commerce sales and remote work. The globalization of client and work opportunities has revolutionized the freelance market, and opened up unprecedented access for business owners to expand their reach across states and even countries. However, this newfound flexibility comes with its own set of challenges—particularly when it comes to tax compliance. Multi-state and multi-country operations can expose your freelance business to complex tax nexus rules, creating audit risks and potential liabilities. Sales tax, in particular, has become a critical area of concern as jurisdictions tigh…

We know that independent workers are already redefining what work looks like. So why not redefine what climate action looks like, too? This Earth Day and Climate Week, we’re thinking about how freelancers are uniquely positioned to build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re working from home, biking to your local coworking space, or setting your own schedule around what matters to you, your freelance lifestyle might already be doing more for the planet than you think. Here are a few ways freelancing and sustainability go hand-in-hand, plus ideas for how you can take climate action as a member of this powerful, independent workforce. 1. Freelancers Leave a Smaller Car…

Now that tax season is over, you may be breathing a sigh of relief. However, once your return is filed (or before your return is filed on extension), it’s key to be prepared in case you receive an audit notice from the IRS. If you have already filed your freelance taxes, beware that there are a number of red flags described below that may sometimes draw scrutiny from the IRS. If you have yet to file because you were granted an extension on your tax filing, review this list so you can proactively avoid any of the audit triggers below. While being audited isn’t necessarily a sign of wrongdoing, it’s a stressful and time-consuming process that is best avoided. If you do ru…

It was early morning, and I was sitting by a lake in Maine, a cup of coffee in hand when one of those bolt-from-the-blue moments of clarity struck me. Before I share my big a-ha moment, let me give you some context. I am a business coach for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers and have dedicated my entire career to helping creative professionals build profitable and successful businesses and careers. You’re my people! I am also a neurotypical parent of a neurodivergent child. Until I had my son, I had no idea how different neurocognitive styles impacted everything from time management and planning to motivation and focus (yep, some neurotypical privilege right there!)…

Tax Day (April 15, 2025) is just days away. Are you still scrambling to gather tax documents and get your return filed? If you just can’t complete your return accurately, you may be better off simply filing an extension with the IRS. Doing so allows you to have a six-month grace period to get your taxes filed without having the failure to file penalty assessed. However, you must still pay any taxes you owe (make an estimate and pay on or before April 15, 2025) to avoid late payment penalties and interest. Filing an extension can help reduce the stress of trying to meet the deadline and reduce your tax penalty burden if you already have one to contend with. Many taxpayers,…

The Freelancers Union and Freelancers Hub are proud to present our Self-Portrait Art Showcase, a curated collection of works by talented freelance artists who have turned their gaze inward to share personal and thought-provoking reflections through their art. Join us for the opening reception on April 8th at The Freelancers Hub to celebrate these incredible artists and their work: RSVP today. All events at the Freelancers Hub are made possible thanks to the support of NYC Mayors office of Media and Entertainment. Featured ArtistsJia Ying Lin – ReflectionsSee more of their art Bio: Jia Ying Lin is a contemporary artist based in New York City. With a multidisciplinary backg…

This article is posted with permission from our partner Hiscox Insurance. Learn more about Hiscox at: https://freelancersunion.org/liability Starting a business comes with a slew of important decisions, not the least of which is choosing the right business structure. Whether you're considering a DBA (Doing Business As), an LLC (Limited Liability Company), or a sole proprietorship, each option has its own advantages and caters to different business needs. From liability protection to tax implications and administrative duties, understanding these differences is crucial for your success. Keep reading to see what sets these structures apart and discover which one might be t…

Have you filed your freelance taxes yet? If not, it’s definitely time to gather your tax documentation, maximize deductions, and use these tips to avoid costly mistakes before the April 15 deadline. While there’s plenty of questionable tax advice out there, this list will help you avoid it as well as keep your tax records in tip-top shape should you receive an audit or other notice from the IRS. Keeping on top of your freelance taxes year-round is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises at this time of year. So make your best effort to file on time and with the maximum potential tax savings for 2024 now. Doing so will set you up for a favorable tax situation for years t…

This article is posted with permission from our partner Solo Health Collective. Learn more about Solo at: https://freelancersunion.org/solo Freelancers and independent contractors often struggle to find an affordable, high-quality health plan. Traditional plans can be expensive, lack flexibility, or offer minimal benefits for self-employed individuals. Freelancers Union partner, Solo Health Collective, is a unique health plan designed specifically for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small business owners. Here’s how it can provide significant tax advantages—and why it’s a great option for independent professionals. Tax Advantages for FreelancersOne of the biggest benefits …

Whether you're self-employed or a partner, you may be able to deduct certain expenses for the part of your home that you use for business. To deduct expenses for business use of the home, you must use part of your home as one of the following: Exclusively on a regular basis as your principal place of business for your trade or business;Exclusively on a regular basis as a place where you meet or deal with your patients, clients, or customers in the normal course of your trade or business;A separate structure that's not attached to your home, used exclusively on a regular basis in connection with your trade or business;On a regular basis for storage of inventory or product …

As a freelancer belonging to a community-based platform, it’s easy to understand the benefits of working with diverse and international teams. Aside from the amazing networking opportunities that come from connecting with like-minded freelance friends and professionals, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of the realms of remote work. In today's universal and online working space, the freelancing world continues to extend even further from a local and community sphere. You have most likely collaborated with talented professionals from different corners of the globe on remote work platforms or international client projects. This article explores how these cross-cultu…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ As a freelancer, your computer is your most valuable tool — your office, storage space, and sometimes even your creative playground. Keeping it clean and organized isn't just about freeing up space; it's about ensuring smooth performance, protecting your data, and boosting productivity. Here's how to give your computer the deep clean it deserves. Not only does your Mac benefi…