(NOTE: If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, it is observed the following Monday. Whichever you choose, both are due April 15, along with your annual tax return. If you have less than $5,000 in claims, you may be able to use Schedule C-EZ. When you’re ready to file, you’ll list the majority of your deductions in Part II of your Schedule C (Form 1040). Some tax deductions may not apply to your profession, but you might be surprised by the number that do. These deductions can also apply to designers, housekeepers, photographers, construction workers, consultants or any other professionals who work for themselves.

This may include ridesharing drivers, such as Uber or Lyft drivers, who claim large mileage deductions, or writers who might take the home office deduction as part of a quiet refuge from the corporate scene. This list is relevant for many self-employed professionals. Remember, however, that you can only deduct the business use of the expense you’re deducting. These expenses can range from advertising to utilities and everything in between. But when it comes to self-employed deductions, the process certainly isn’t one-size-fits-all.ĭeductible expenses are those that are seen as “ordinary and necessary” for conducting business.

But because they don’t have taxes withheld from their paychecks like traditional workers, they can use deductions to cover their expenses and lower their tax burden.

Self-employed professionals face unique challenges when tax season comes around.

List of business expenses for taxes