• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Collective

Collective

A blog to help freelancers with taxes - Collective

What we offer

Business setup Form your business the right way Accounting Expert approved, powered by AI Invoicing Get paid faster, without the busywork Payroll Payroll made simple for S Corps Taxes Stress-free taxes for solopreneurs Business insurance Coverage for your business Health insurance Instant and affordable health coverage Support Human expertise + AI speed
Pricing Customers
About us Partnerships Careers We're hiring! Press
Blog Newsletter Webinars

Free tools

S Corp tax savings calculator Estimated tax & extension calculator Tax calendar S Corp admin cost calculator Freelance rate calculator Bill rate calculator
See all free tools →
Login
Business setup Accounting Invoicing Payroll Taxes Business insurance Health insurance Support
Pricing
Customers
About us Partnerships Careers We're hiring! Press
Blog Newsletter Webinars S Corp tax savings calculator Estimated tax & extension calculator Tax calendar S Corp admin cost calculator Freelance rate calculator Bill rate calculator See all free tools
Login
Resources / Authors / Stephen Fishman

Author

Stephen Fishman

Stephen Fishman is an attorney and author who has dedicated his career to writing authoritative guides on taxes and business law for small businesses, entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and freelancers. He's the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles, and has been quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, and other publications. His books include Deduct It! Lower Your Small Business Taxes, Working with Independent Contractors, and Working for Yourself: Law and Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants.

Articles published
51
Topics covered
9
Last published
Feb 2022
Stephen Fishman

What Stephen covers

Browse all topics
Business Formation 18 articles Business License 7 articles LLC naming 7 articles

All articles by Stephen

Business License

How to Get a Business License in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in Florida? You may be wondering, ”Do I need a business license?” The answer is…

Jun 3, 2019 · 10 min read
Business Formation

Freelancers Guide to LLCs in Florida – What You Need to Know

Are you a freelancer who’s ready to officially form their own business? That’s great! Just keep in mind…

Jun 3, 2019 · 12 min read
Guides

Single Member LLC Post Formation in Florida

After you’ve filed your articles of organization with the Florida Division of Corporations, your LLC will begin its…

Jun 3, 2019 · 6 min read
Guides

S Corp Tax Treatment in California – Guide for Freelancers

The Golden State isn’t as “golden” as it used to be, at least for those who are self-employed. Freelancers…

Jun 1, 2019 · 11 min read
Guides

Guide to Single Member LLC Post Entity Formation Setup in Texas

After you’ve filed your certificate of formation with the Texas Secretary of State, your LLC begins its legal…

May 30, 2019 · 7 min read
Business Formation

The Ultimate Guide to Naming an LLC in Texas

Registering your freelance business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) comes with a host of perks.  But before…

May 30, 2019 · 10 min read
Business Formation

Freelancers Guide to LLCs in Texas – What You Need to Know

Are you a freelancer who’s ready to officially form their own business? That’s great! Just keep in mind…

May 30, 2019 · 12 min read
Business License

Texas Business License: What You Need to Know

For most small businesses, the federal government doesn’t require licenses or permits. But before you break out that…

May 30, 2019 · 5 min read
Blog

How to File your Freelance Taxes (and Save Money)

You’re a freelancer, getting stuff done, capturing new leads, and even finding time to post the occasional selfie…

Apr 7, 2019 · 16 min read
Blog

How to Pay Yourself When You’re a Freelancer

Whether you’re first starting out as a freelancer or you’re a self-employed freelancer who’s already making money, it’s…

Jan 29, 2019 · 9 min read
Blog

How to Write a Business Plan: A Quick and Easy Guide for Freelancers

Business plans? Aren’t those boring and tedious and just for bankers? I’m a freelancer! I don’t need a…

Nov 26, 2018 · 9 min read
Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Freelance Taxes Right

One of the most harrowing tasks you’ll undertake as a freelancer is paying your taxes. Get that right…

Nov 26, 2018 · 12 min read
Previous page12345Next page
Showing 12 of 51

We’re glad you’re here!

First, tell us about your business

Net profit = Total revenue - total expenses

  1. Find total revenue. Add up all money your business earned from sales of goods or services during the year.
  2. Subtract your expenses. Deduct all business costs like supplies, rent, utilities, software, contractor payments, and loan interest.

An estimate is fine, you don't need exact figures.

W2 employees are people on your payroll

You withhold income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from their paychecks, and they get a W-2 form from you at the end of the year.

Don't count yourself (even if you pay yourself a salary) or 1099 contractors and freelancers.

I agree to Collective Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. Additionally, by providing phone number to continue, I agree to receive calls, incl. autodialed or prerecorded sales calls, from Collective.

Collective logo

We are experts in the unique needs and challenges of self-employed people and know that our confidence gives others confidence, too. Reach out to say hello and join our team.

We are experts in the unique needs and challenges of self-employed people and know that our confidence gives others confidence, too. Reach out to say hello and join our team.

Products

  • Business setup
  • Accounting
  • Invoicing
  • Payroll
  • Taxes
  • Business insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Support
  • Late S Corp election

Company

  • Home
  • Pricing
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Partnerships

Resources

  • Blog
  • Guides
  • Help center
  • Testimonials
  • Press
  • Create with us

Legal/Support

  • FAQ
  • Terms of service
  • Privacy policy
  • Security policy

Compare

  • Compare all
  • Collective vs Lettuce
  • Collective vs LegalZoom
  • Collective vs TurboTax
  • Collective vs ZenBusiness

Collective provides a suite of tools, back-office support, and general information. Our services are not intended as tax, legal, or professional advice.

* Savings estimates reflect the average 2023 federal self-employment (SE) tax savings for Collective members with an S Corp tax election, based on business profits that would've otherwise been subject to SE tax. Actual savings will vary based on individual circumstances.

** Based on data sourced from Shopify blog, QBO Essentials, QBO Live, Gusto, Taxfyle, Intuit "Tax Pro" Research, LegalZoom and JustAnswer.com as of August 2025.

† Individual tax return packages are billed as an annual, one-time add-on fee.

© 2026 Collective Hub, Inc. All rights reserved