Running your own business is an adventure. There’s independence and the satisfaction of building something that’s all your own. But when small business tax season rolls around, sole proprietors don’t have it easy. While sole proprietorship taxes are typically more straightforward than corporate filings, they come with their own quirks and obligations.

Whether it’s handling self-employment tax or understanding deductions, paying your fair share—and not a penny more—comes down to preparation. Get ready to get through the 2024 tax year with complete confidence and a few tips to lighten the load.

What makes sole proprietorship taxes unique?

Sole proprietorships are pass-through entities. The actual business itself doesn’t pay income tax. Instead, the profits (or losses) “pass through” to the owner, who reports them on their personal tax return.

While this setup avoids the complexity of corporate taxation, it also means your business income is tied directly to your personal finances. Every dollar earned (or lost) by the business is accounted for on Form 1040, so you need to be organized to ensure accuracy.

Self-employment taxes: A heavy hit

When you’re self-employed, you wear two hats: employer and employee. You’re responsible for covering the full 15.3% self-employment tax, which funds Social Security and Medicare. It breaks down like this:

  • 12.4% for Social Security. Applied to the first $160,200 of net earnings in 2024.
  • 2.9% for Medicare. No earnings cap, so all net income is subject to this rate.
  • Additional 0.9% Medicare tax. Applied to earnings over $200,000 for individuals ($250,000 for joint filers). Note, earnings includes total income, not just self-employment income, so if you have another salaried role, you will need to factor that in here.

The good news? You can deduct half of your self-employment tax when calculating your adjusted gross income. Keep in mind, the deduction doesn’t reduce the self-employment tax itself, but it does lower your taxable income.

Filing requirements: Forms you’ll need

Sole proprietors typically file two main tax forms along with their personal tax return:

  • Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business). This form reports your business’s income and expenses. It’s divided into sections that cover gross income, deductible expenses, and net profit or loss.
  • Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). This form calculates the Social Security and Medicare taxes owed on your net earnings.

If you hire contractors, you may also need to file 1099 forms to report payments over $600. If in doubt, talk to a tax professional to guarantee compliance.

Quarterly taxes: Don’t wait until April

So, when do you have to pay sole proprietorship taxes? The IRS doesn’t want you paying all in one lump sum at the end of the year. Instead, you’re expected to make estimated quarterly payments if you’ll owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes. Here are the deadlines for 2024:

  • April 15: For income earned January–March.
  • June 17: For income earned April–May.
  • September 16: For income earned June–August.
  • January 15, 2025: For income earned September–December.

Maximizing deductions: Every dollar counts

One of the greatest advantages of being a sole proprietor is the ability to directly deduct business expenses from your income. These deductions do more than just shrink your tax bill—they open up opportunities to reinvest in your business.

It’s all about knowing where to look. Here are some areas to get you started:

Home office

This isn’t just for tech startups or creatives working out of spare bedrooms. If you use any dedicated space in your home exclusively for business, you can claim part of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and even maintenance costs. But note, the space must be used exclusively and regularly for business to qualify.

Business mileage

Those trips to meet clients, deliver goods, or scout new opportunities? They add up. In 2024, the IRS allows you to deduct 65.5 cents for every mile driven for business purposes. But without meticulous records, you could miss out on this valuable and straightforward deduction.

Health insurance premiums

Sole proprietors who foot their own healthcare costs can deduct premiums for themselves and their families. It’s a deduction that’s often overlooked, yet it truly helps keep healthcare costs manageable for many business owners.

Professional development

Investing in your skills pays off. Expenses for coding bootcamps, leadership workshops, certifications, and other career-building opportunities are fully deductible, helping you grow professionally while reducing your tax bill.

Tip: Organized records are your best friend. Try to keep thorough records and receipts throughout the year, and use accounting software or apps to track expenses and receipts as you go.

Special deductions for sole proprietorships only

Some deductions are set up to give sole proprietors an extra edge. Both of these unique benefits can mean the difference between a hefty tax bill and a healthy refund.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

Sole proprietors may be eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of their qualified business income (QBI). However, this deduction isn’t automatic—it depends on factors such as your taxable income, whether your business is a specified service trade or business (SSTB), and other qualifications.

For 2024, the income thresholds are $182,100 for single filers and $364,200 for joint filers. If your income exceeds these limits, the deduction may phase out or be subject to additional calculations. Consult a tax professional to navigate these rules and maximize this valuable tax benefit.

Depreciation

Purchased a new smartphone, laptop, manufacturing equipment, or even a company vehicle for your business? Depreciation allows you to recover the cost of these assets over time by deducting a portion each year. Alternatively, you can take advantage of Section 179 expensing to deduct the full cost in the year of purchase. This deduction ensures you’re compensated for the wear and tear on the essential tools that keep your business running.

Common tax mistakes for sole proprietors: What to look out for

Even seasoned business owners fall into these common traps. Tax mistakes are a costly inconvenience. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your finances in check:

  • Mixing personal and business finances: It’s easy to pay for that client lunch with your personal card or deposit a side gig payment into your business account. But mingled finances make it hard to track deductible expenses and invite scrutiny from the IRS.
  • Misreporting cash flow: Owner’s draws, loan repayments, and capital infusions aren’t taxable income. Yet they’re often recorded incorrectly, leading to overpayment—or worse, an audit.
  • Overlooking small deductions: That box of printer paper might not seem worth the effort to log, but small expenses add up fast. Tracking them meticulously guarantees you don’t leave money on the table.

Why sole proprietors need a business bank account

Operating your business without a dedicated sole proprietor bank account can cost you time, money, and credibility. Keeping your personal and business finances separate isn’t just a good habit—it’s the cornerstone of financial clarity and tax efficiency. Here’s why:

  • Simplified expense tracking: Trying to untangle personal expenses from business purchases can lead to errors, missed deductions, and endless frustration. Your dedicated account keeps things clean, so you always know what’s deductible.
  • Better cash flow visibility: With one account for all business transactions, it’s easier to spot trends, track income, and manage cash flow. Seeing the full picture helps you budget smarter and make better decisions.
  • Audit-proof finances: If the IRS comes knocking, a business-only account makes it much easier to justify expenses and document transactions. It shows you’ve taken the necessary steps to separate personal and professional finances.
  • Easier collaboration: Sharing financial information with accountants or tax preparers is simpler when you have clear, organized records. A single business account saves everyone time.

Simplify sole proprietorship taxes, maximize savings

Sole proprietorship taxes may seem steep, but they’re entirely manageable with the right approach. There are ways you can your keep stress-levels low and your savings in your pocket, but it takes knowledge of deductions and a whole lot of organization.

It also takes the right business banking partner. With North One’s online business bank account, you’ll have all the resources you need to keep your finances in order, plan for taxes, and stay focused on your goals. Open your account today to start running your business smarter.