The Consultant Tax Advantage: A Guide to Self-Employment Taxes, Deductions, and Credits

This article is part of BizTaxFacts, our Business Tax series on navigating taxes for self-employed individuals and small businesses. We’ll break down tax obligations and considerations, including deductions, credits, and filing across different working arrangements.

The Consultant’s Tax Challenge: As a consultant, you wear multiple hats – expert in your field, business owner… and maybe even a tax preparer. But navigating the complex world of self-employment taxes, deductions, and credits can be overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, you can minimize your tax liability, maximize your savings, and focus on what matters most – growing your business.

What You Need to Know

• As a consultant, you’re considered self-employed and must report your income and expenses on your tax return.
• Understanding self-employment tax laws and regulations can help you take advantage of all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to.
• Keep accurate records of your business expenses, including receipts, bank statements, and a log of business use.
• Consult with a tax expert or attorney to determine the most tax-efficient entity structure for your business.
• Don’t wait until it’s too late! File your taxes on time to avoid penalties and interest.

Understanding Self-Employment Tax Laws

Consultants are required to pay self-employment tax on your net earnings from self-employment. This includes your consulting income, as well as any other income you earn from freelancing, consulting, or running a side business. Self-employment tax is a combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

💡Learn more about self-employment taxes.

Calculating Your Self-Employment Tax

For the 2024 tax year, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3% of your net earnings from self-employment. This rate is divided equally between Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%). To calculate your self-employment tax, you’ll need to multiply your net earnings from self-employment by the self-employment tax rate.

Note that the 12.4% Social Security portion of the self-employment tax applies only to earnings up to a certain limit (the Social Security wage base). For 2024, that limit is $168,600. Earnings above that amount are not subject to the 12.4% Social Security tax, but they are still subject to the 2.9% Medicare tax.

💡Learn more about calculating your self-employment tax.

Tax Filing Requirements for Consultants

You’re required to file Form 1040 (Individual Income Tax Return) and Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your tax return. 

If you have net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more, you’ll also need to file Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). Make sure to attach a copy of your Schedule C to your Form 1040.

💡Learn more about reporting business income and deductions.

Tax Deductions and Credits for Consultants

As a consultant, you’re eligible for various tax deductions and credits that can help reduce your taxable income and lower your tax liability. Some common deductions and credits include:

• Home Office Deduction: You can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and other expenses related to the business use of your home, provided you meet specific requirements like exclusive and regular use.  
• Business Use of Your Car: You can deduct the business use of your car, including expenses like gas and maintenance or by tracking your mileage used for business purposes.
• Business Meals and Entertainment: You can deduct a portion of business meals and entertainment expenses with proper documentation showing a clear business purpose.
• Business Travel Expenses: You can deduct business travel expenses, including transportation and lodging, with detailed records and receipts of business purpose.
• Business Use of Technology: You can deduct a portion of technology expenses, such as computers and software, used for business purposes.

💡Learn more about common deductions for consultants.

Maximizing Business Deductions for Consultants

To maximize your business deductions, keep accurate records of your business expenses, including receipts, bank statements, and a log of business use. Consider the following strategies:

• Keep a logbook: Keep paper documentation or use an app to track your business miles, meals, and entertainment expenses.
• Get a business credit card or bank account: Use a business credit card or debt associated with a business bank account to separate your personal and business expenses.
• Take advantage of bonus depreciation: Consult with a tax expert about bonus depreciation, which allows you to deduct a larger portion of your business equipment and software expenses in the first year.

💡Learn more about the top tax deductions for consultants.

Tax Planning Strategies for Consultants

It’s essential to have a tax plan in place to minimize your tax liability and maximize your cash flow. Consider the following tax planning strategies:

• Entity structure: Your business entity structure can have a significant impact on your tax liability. Consult with a tax expert or attorney to determine the most tax-efficient entity structure for your business.
• Deferring taxes: Deferring taxes can help you keep more money in your pocket for longer, but it’s essential to consider the potential interest and penalties associated with deferred taxes.
• Tax credits and incentives: There are various tax credits and incentives available for small business owners, for example the Research and Development Tax Credit. 

💡Learn more about tax planning strategies.

Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid

Due to the complexities of self-employment taxes, consultants often make these common mistakes:

• Underreporting income: Make sure to report all of your income, including tips and side hustles.
• Overstating deductions: Don’t overstate your business deductions. Keep accurate records to back up your claims.
• Missing deadlines: File your taxes on time to avoid penalties and interest.

💡Learn more about common tax filing mistakes.

Seeking Professional Help with Consultant Taxes

Seek expert help with your taxes to ensure you’re taking advantage of all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to. Consider hiring a tax expert who has experience working with self-employed individuals and small business owners. They can help you:

• Maximize your deductions: Identify and claim all the deductions and credits you’re eligible for.
• Minimize your audit risk: Ensure you’re in compliance with all tax laws and regulations.
• Save time: Focus on your business while your tax expert handles your taxes.

💡Learn more about how to file self-employment taxes.

Your Consultant Tax Questions Answered

Q: What is self-employment tax, and how much do I need to pay?

A: Self-employment tax is a combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes that self-employed individuals must pay on their net earnings from self-employment. For the 2024 tax year, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3% of your net earnings from self-employment.

Q: What forms do I need to file as a consultant?

A: As a consultant, you’ll need to file Form 1040 (Individual Income Tax Return) and Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your tax return. If you have net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more, you’ll also need to file Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax).

Q: Can I deduct my home office expenses as a business deduction?

A: Yes, you may be eligible to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and other expenses related to the business use of your home or use the rate for the simplified square footage calculation at $5 per square foot, with a maximum of 300 square feet. To qualify, you must use a dedicated space in your home regularly and exclusively for business.

Q: How do I keep track of my business miles?

A: You can keep a logbook or use an app to track your business miles. Be sure to include the date, starting and ending points, and business purpose of each trip.

Q: Can I deduct my business meal expenses?

A: Yes, you may be eligible to deduct a portion of your business meal expenses, including the cost of meals, beverages, and other expenses. To qualify, you must have a business purpose for the expense, and you’ll need to keep accurate records, including receipts and a log of business use.

Q: What is the difference between a W-2 and a 1099-MISC?

A: A W-2 is a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, which is used to report wages and taxes withheld from an employee’s paycheck. A 1099-MISC is a Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, which is used to report miscellaneous income, including self-employment income, to the IRS. A Form 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation) will be issued to self-employed individuals, like independent contractors, freelancers, or side-giggers who have been paid $600 or more. The Form 1099-MISC was replaced by Form 1099-NEC for self-employed.

Maximize Your Savings: File Confidently with TurboTax

Effectively managing your consultant taxes involves understanding self-employment obligations, diligently tracking deductible expenses like home office and vehicle use, and potentially seeking expert advice. Don’t leave money on the table this tax season. Maximize your consultant tax savings! 

​With TurboTax Live Assisted Sole Proprietor, get unlimited expert help while you do your taxes, or let a tax expert file completely for you, start to finish. Self employed and sole proprietors get access to unlimited, year-round advice and answers at no extra cost, maximize credits and deductions, and a 100% Accurate, Expert Approved guarantee.