Being your own boss has its perks—flexibility, independence, and direct control over your income. But it also comes with added responsibility, especially when tax season rolls around. If you’re self-employed, understanding what you can deduct is critical to avoiding overpayment and staying on the IRS’s good side.
In this guide, we’ll break down the self-employed tax credit landscape for 2025, including key deductions, credits, and strategies to maximize your return while staying compliant.
What is the Self-Employed Tax Credit?
Unlike employees who get taxes withheld automatically, self-employed individuals must handle everything—from estimated payments to deductions. The good news? There are several credits and deductions designed specifically for you.
Here’s what’s available in 2025:
- Self-Employed Sick and Family Leave Credit: If you missed work due to illness or caregiving duties, you may be eligible to claim this refundable credit (introduced under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and still extended in some cases).
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Depending on your income and number of dependents, you might qualify for this refundable credit—even as a business owner.
- Health Insurance Premium Deduction: You can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums (including dental and long-term care) if you’re not eligible for employer-subsidized coverage elsewhere.
Knowing which credits apply—and how to claim them—can lead to significant tax savings.
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction
One of the most powerful tools in your tax toolkit is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. This allows many self-employed individuals to deduct up to 20% of their net income.
Here’s how it works:
- Applies to most pass-through entities: If you’re a sole proprietor, LLC, partnership, or S-corp, the QBI deduction likely applies.
- Thresholds matter: For 2025, if your taxable income is under $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly), you likely qualify without restrictions.
- Service-based business limitations: If you’re in a specified service trade (like law or accounting), the deduction phases out above certain income levels.
Properly calculating and claiming the QBI deduction can reduce your taxable income dramatically—but it’s easy to miss or miscalculate. That’s where expert guidance helps.
Home Office and Business Expense Deductions
If you run your business from home or use personal equipment for work, you’re likely eligible for a variety of deductions.
Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Home office deduction: You can deduct a portion of your rent, mortgage, utilities, and insurance if you use part of your home exclusively for business. You can choose the simplified method ($5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet) or calculate actual expenses.
- Office supplies and equipment: Printers, computers, phones, and even business-use subscriptions can be deducted.
- Vehicle expenses: If you use your car for business, you can deduct mileage (standard IRS rate) or actual expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance).
- Business meals: In 2025, meals with clients or on business travel may be partially deductible. Keep detailed receipts and notes on the purpose.
These deductions require good documentation and clear separation of business and personal use—two areas where self-employed taxpayers often fall short.
Retirement Plan Deductions
Planning for retirement doesn’t just secure your future—it can cut your tax bill now. Self-employed individuals have access to some of the most generous retirement deduction options available.
Here are a few to consider:
- SEP IRA: Contribute up to 25% of your net earnings from self-employment (up to $69,000 in 2025). Contributions are tax-deductible.
- Solo 401(k): If you don’t have employees, a Solo 401(k) lets you contribute both as employer and employee—maxing out your contributions and deductions.
- Traditional IRA or Roth IRA: Depending on your income, you may be eligible for additional tax advantages here.
Choosing the right retirement plan can significantly reduce your current-year taxes and provide long-term growth. A tax advisor can help tailor your plan based on income level and goals.
Filing Strategies to Maximize Your Refund
Smart filing isn’t just about inputting numbers into software—it’s about timing, recordkeeping, and choosing the best options for your situation.
Here’s how to stay strategic:
- Use quarterly estimated payments: Avoid penalties by staying ahead of your tax bill with timely estimated payments (April, June, September, January).
- Track all business income: Don’t rely solely on 1099s—some clients might not send them, but the IRS still expects a full income report.
- Keep digital records: Use apps or cloud accounting tools to track expenses in real time and back up receipts.
- Separate personal and business finances: Use a dedicated business checking account and credit card to simplify your deductions and avoid red flags.
Each filing season is an opportunity to optimize. Working with a seasoned CPA means you won’t leave money on the table—or make costly mistakes.
How Dimov Tax Supports the Self-Employed
At Dimov Tax, we know how tough it is to wear every hat—from CEO to CFO to janitor—when you run your own business. Taxes shouldn’t add to the stress.
Here’s how we help:
- Detailed deduction review: We find the write-offs you might miss and maximize the ones you’re already using.
- Audit-proof records: We make sure your deductions are backed by airtight documentation.
- Quarterly planning: Stay ahead of tax season with year-round guidance and estimated payment support.
- Entity selection help: Need to change from sole proprietor to S-Corp? We’ll help evaluate and implement the right move.
- Peace of mind: You focus on running your business—we’ll handle the tax code.
Ready to make 2025 your most profitable year yet? Dimov Tax is your partner in growth and compliance.
Don’t Let Deductions Slip Through the Cracks
The self-employed tax credit landscape is full of opportunity—but also full of traps. Whether you’re freelancing, running a side hustle, or managing a growing business, every deduction and credit counts.
Let Dimov Tax help you take control of your tax strategy with confidence. Book a consultation today and find out how much you could be saving this year.