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By: Nahla Billie | The Self-Employed Lab Let me talk to my moms and parents for a second — because listen…Doing taxes when you’re self-employed is already a whole workout in itself. Doing taxes when you’re self-employed AND  you’re juggling kids, school drop-offs, daycare, extracurriculars, tantrums, and trying to run a business from your kitchen table or your car? That’s a different level of reality. And I SEE you. This blog is for the moms, dads, single parents, bonus paren

differences are kinda like asking, “What’s the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?” Spoiler alert: it’s all about credentials. One’s got a fancy certification, and the other might not (but is still super qualified).

Listen… if you’re self-employed, doing side gigs, running a small business, or freelancing your way through life, let me tell you something upfront: The IRS does not care what you call  yourself. If you earned money, you probably need to file. A lot of folks get confused right here, so let me break it down the way I explain it to clients every single day. Do You Need to File? Here’s the Rule of Thumb. If you earn more than $400–$600 in net self-employment income , you are req

Paying yourself as a business owner can be confusing, especially when you are focused on growing your company. Many entrepreneurs struggle to find the right balance between reinvesting in the business and taking a fair income.

Achieving Financial Planning and Growth Goals When you run your own business, it’s easy to get stuck in the daily grind — hustling, putting out fires, chasing payments. But if you want to build something that lasts, you’ve got to step back sometimes and plan. Not just for next month… but for the long haul. Today, I’m sharing simple, real-world strategies that help you get your finances in order, aim high with growth, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re just start

Running a small business is exciting, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is staying compliant with all the rules and regulations that apply to your business

Starting a business can feel overwhelming. You might have a great idea but wonder how to turn it into a successful venture. Knowing the basics before you begin can save you time, money, and frustration. This guide covers the essential steps and practical advice to help you launch your business with confidence. Workspace setup for starting a business Understand Your Business Idea Before you invest time and money, clarify your business idea. Ask yourself: What problem does my p

Yes, self-employed people CAN buy short-term disability insurance, hospital coverage, accident insurance, and supplemental plans. Companies like AFLAC have options made specifically for you.

High-tax states like California and New York may see major relief with the SALT deduction increase from $10,000 to $40,000. Learn how homeowners and self-employed individuals can reduce federal taxes under the new rules.

If you’re self-employed, thinking about buying a home, and you’ve been conditioned to believe the first step is calling a realtor  or running to a loan officer , let me stop you right there — in the BEST way possible. Because that belief? It’s the #1 reason self-employed buyers get denied, delayed, or disappointed. Let’s talk about the truth that rarely gets said out loud. 🚫 Myth: “I need to find a good realtor first.” Realtors are amazing — they know neighborhoods, negotiat

The headline grabber: the Donald Trump administration is proposing a 50-year mortgage option  as one potential relief valve in the U.S. housing-affordability crisis. Here’s the simple math on one scenario: $300,000 at 6.25%  amortized over 50 years would cost roughly $681,000  in total payments. That’s more than double the cost of the same loan extended over 30 years. But, as with most things in finance, the devil is in the details  — and how you plan to use the loan, who you

If you’re self-employed, you’ve probably heard how “hard” it is to get a mortgage — but here’s the truth: you absolutely can qualify for a home loan  as a business owner, freelancer, or 1099 earner. The key is understanding how lenders view your income  and preparing the right documentation to prove stability and affordability. Once you know what underwriters are really looking for, getting approved becomes much easier than most people think. Yes, Self-Employed Borrowers Can

Marketplace healthcare premiums are rising again — here’s how self-employed professionals and 1099 workers can protect their income, find affordable coverage, and stay compliant with help from The Self-Employed Lab.

What exactly is an S-Corp, and how is it different from my LLC?

If you’ve been self-employed for a while, you’ve probably heard about S-Corps  — and how they can help you save thousands on taxes . But what exactly is an S-Corp, and what does compliance really mean once you make the switch? Let’s break it down in plain English.   What Is an S-Corp? An S-Corporation  isn’t a separate business entity like an LLC or C-Corp — it’s actually a tax election  with the IRS. This means your business (usually an LLC) chooses to be taxed as an S-Corp.

Welcome to The Self Employed Lab! We are excited to have you here as we take the first steps together in empowering self-employed individuals and small business owners. Our mission is simple: provide you with the essential tools and resources needed to thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. In this blog post, we will discuss the various services we offer, the value they bring, and how we can help you tackle the challenges of self-employment. Understanding LLC and Business St

Listen… yes, you can. Even if you feel behind, overwhelmed, or like your bookkeeping is somewhere between “a little messy” and “Jesus take the wheel,” there are still legit, last-minute tax moves you can make before the year closes. So let’s get into the things you can actually do right now to lower your tax bill, stay compliant, and walk into the new year a little lighter.