Deductions lower the income you are taxed on, but the biggest question is often whether to take the standard deduction at all. This category is small for now, with one guide, and it explains how to compare the standard deduction with itemizing so you do not spend hours tracking expenses that will not change your result.
Where to start
- Standard deduction vs itemizing: how do you decide? A way to compare the two choices using your own numbers.
For deductions specific to independent work, see self-employment, which covers write-offs for side income.