Finance · For one-person businesses
The money side of a business of one
Taxes first, because nobody withholds them anymore. Then retirement, health insurance and a budget that survives slow months.
The Self-Employed Tax Survival Guide
Guide overview- 1How self-employment taxes actually workWhat you owe and why: income tax plus the 15.3% self-employment tax.6 min
- 2How much to set aside from every paymentThe 25–30% rule, and your exact percentage in 10 seconds.7 min
- 3Quarterly estimated taxes, step by stepThe four IRS deadlines, how much to pay, and how to pay online.8 min
- 4Where to keep your tax moneyOne separate account you never touch, set up in five minutes.4 min
- 5Write-offs that actually lower your billWhat each deduction really saves, and the four most people miss.9 min
- 6Filing day: what to do in AprilThe forms, the document checklist, and what to do if you can’t pay.7 min
- 7Pay less, legally: should you become an S-corp?When an S-corp pays off (usually $60k+ profit) and the real costs.10 min
More money guides
- •Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRAWhich retirement account lets a business of one save more, and cut taxes doing it.4 min
- •Health insurance when you’re self-employedMarketplace plans, subsidies, and the deduction most solo owners miss.3 min
- •Budgeting on an irregular incomeHow to pay yourself a steady amount when clients pay whenever they feel like it.2 min
- •How big an emergency fund you needWhy self-employed people need more than the usual 3 months, and where to keep it.2 min
General education, not tax or financial advice. Numbers are 2026 federal figures from the IRS and SSA.