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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…

When you’re self-employed, you’ve built a life around independence. You set your own schedule, choose your own clients, and take control of your financial future. But have you thought about protecting that future for the people who rely on you? Life insurance may not be the first thing on your mind when managing your freelance business, but it should be. If you have loved ones who depend on your income—whether it’s a partner, children, or even aging parents—life insurance ensures that they’re financially secure if something happens to you. Why self-employed workers should prioritize life insuranceUnlike traditional employees, freelancers don’t have the safety net of emplo…

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 freelance writer, you’ll have to write or jot something down during the working day. Whether you’re a team leader, project manager, freelance writer, or freelance SEO expert, you’ll need to write a range of notes, such as emails or a simple to-do list. If you want to avoid memorizing pieces of information, you have a choice in terms of how you want to write down the inf…

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/ Many freelancers really struggle with staying productive. Whether you’re experiencing writer’s block or getting distracted regularly, maintaining productivity can be a significant challenge. Yet, there are a few actions that can help freelancers stay productive. Techniques like the Pomodoro method and blocking your access to distracting apps are ideal for this. Some even bett…

There are two sides to every coin, and that includes freelancing. While you can enjoy flexible working hours, no commuting benefits, office-free attendance, and many other perks, you might encounter issues with burnout if you lack the right planning and strategizing methods. But there are specific approaches you can use to stop burnout before it starts or recover from it when it’s affecting your output; you can do this with a few specific apps that will help you organize your time and enhance your mood. Ready to discover which impressive apps can help with this? Nip freelancer burnout in the bud with the list of apps in this article and the top tips for success. What is …

Cash App is a decent way to receive instant payments. It’s fast and convenient, and there’s an option to open a legitimate business account and report taxes. But like any payment platform, it attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Scammers use deceptive tactics to trick you into sending them money or handing over your Cash App account details. Once they get access, they can drain your linked credit card or bank account before you realize what’s happening. Moonlock, the cybersecurity division of MacPaw, is here to help. We’ll break down the most common Cash App scams, how to recognize them, and how to protect your money. Why use Cash App for fre…