Free for Freelancers

Work for Yourself. Make Sure Every Deduction Works for You.

The free bookkeeping tool that helps self-employed freelancers and consultants organize ordinary and necessary business expenses for Schedule C.

Download Free TemplateSee What You Can Deduct
60+
Business Types
6 Tabs
Per Template
500+
Transaction Rows
$0
Completely Free

Tax Deductions You May Be Missing

These are common Schedule C business expenses that freelancers may be able to claim under IRC §162. Our template has them pre-loaded.

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Supplies & Materials

Line 22

All ordinary and necessary supplies for your business.

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Vehicle & Mileage

Line 9

Gas, mileage to jobs, vehicle maintenance.

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Insurance

Line 15

Business liability, health insurance, vehicle.

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Advertising

Line 8

Google ads, social media, website, business cards.

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Software & Phone

Line 18

Business apps, phone (business portion), CRM.

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Contract Labor

Line 11

Payments to helpers and subcontractors.

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Licenses

Line 23

Business license, professional certifications.

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Other Expenses

Line 27

Professional development, safety gear, uniforms.

How It Works

1

Download

Pick your business type. Get a free template. No signup.

2

Categorize

Enter your bank transactions. Pick from the dropdown. ~30 min.

3

Review

Schedule C summary auto-calculates your income, expenses, and tax.

4

File

Hand it to your Enrolled Agent. Or let Arc & Ledger prepare your return from $300.

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Get Your Free Freelancer Template

We'll email your template directly — open it in Excel or upload to Google Sheets. No software to install.

What's Inside

✓ Start Here tab with step-by-step instructions
✓ Business Info tab — your details, ready for filing
✓ Expense categories pre-loaded for your industry
✓ 500-row transaction tracker with dropdown categories
✓ Schedule C summary — auto-calculates your totals
✓ Monthly summary for quarterly estimated taxes

We'll email your template directly. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

ENROLLED AGENT TAX SERVICES

Too Busy to DIY?
We'll Handle Everything.

Arc & Ledger is a tax and bookkeeping firm led by Enrolled Agents — authorized to prepare your return and represent you directly before the IRS. Over 10 years helping self-employed professionals like you.

✓ Schedule C tax preparation from $300
✓ Monthly bookkeeping from $200/mo
✓ S-Corp election & tax planning
✓ Authorized to represent you before the IRS
✓ Enrolled Agents — pass rigorous IRS exam
✓ 10+ years serving self-employed professionals
arcandledger.com | (310) 876-0249
bookkeeping@arcandledger.com | Culver City, CA

Get Your Price in 30 Seconds

Question 1 of 4

What income did you have in 2025?

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Need to File for Free? The IRS Can Help.

If you earned under $84,000, you may qualify for IRS Free File — free tax preparation software provided through an IRS partnership. No cost, no catch.

✓ IRS Free File — guided software for income under $84,000
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Visit IRS Free File Options →

Our free template works alongside any filing method — use it to organize your expenses first, then file however works best for you.

Common Questions

What Schedule C deductions can freelancers claim?+
Self-employed freelancers may deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses under IRC Section 162. Commonly claimed tax deductions for freelancers include software subscriptions (Line 18), home office (Line 30), internet and phone (Line 25), advertising and portfolio hosting (Line 8), professional development (Line 27), and subcontractor payments (Line 11). Your tax situation may vary, so consult a qualified tax professional.
What is Schedule C?+
Schedule C (Form 1040) is the IRS form where sole proprietors report business income and expenses. It calculates your net profit or loss, which flows to your Form 1040. Self-employed freelancers use Schedule C to report client payments, project income, and retainer fees. Our free schedule C template is an organizational tool that categorizes freelance tax deductions by the correct line numbers.
How much tax do self-employed freelancers pay?+
Self-employed freelancers generally pay both income tax and self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare) on net profit. Your income tax rate depends on your total taxable income and filing status. The self-employment tax applies to net earnings over $400. All client payments are taxable whether or not you receive a 1099. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Do I need to file quarterly estimated taxes as a freelancer?+
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, the IRS generally requires quarterly estimated tax payments. Deadlines are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Freelance income can be unpredictable, so tracking expenses year-round helps estimate quarterly payments. If you also have W-2 income, those withholdings may partially cover your obligations.
Can freelancers claim a home office deduction?+
If you have a dedicated space in your home used regularly and exclusively for your freelance business, you may qualify for the home office deduction. This may include a portion of rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and insurance. The simplified method allows $5 per square foot up to 300 sq ft. This is one of the most commonly missed tax write-offs for self-employed freelancers. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Should I hire an Enrolled Agent or do my own taxes?+
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional who has passed a rigorous IRS exam and is authorized to represent taxpayers directly before the IRS. Unlike other preparers, EAs must pass a rigorous exam and complete continuing education annually. For self-employed freelancers with multiple clients, home office deductions, and quarterly tax obligations, an EA can help ensure compliance. Arc & Ledger's team of Enrolled Agents specializes in Schedule C businesses.

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