I've looked at hundreds of freelancer expense reports. The same mistakes show up over and over.

1. Home office deduction

If you work from home even part-time, you can deduct a portion of rent, utilities, and internet. Most freelancers skip this because they think it triggers audits. It doesn't — the IRS simplified it years ago. Missed savings: $1,500-3,000/year.

2. Self-employment tax deduction

You can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax on your 1040. This isn't even itemized — it's above the line. Yet tons of freelancers blow right past it. Missed savings: $1,000-2,500/year.

3. Health insurance premiums

If you buy your own health insurance (not through a spouse's employer), the full premium is deductible. This one alone can save $3,000-6,000/year depending on your plan.

4. Mileage and transportation

Driving to client meetings, coworking spaces, the post office for shipping? That's 67 cents per mile in 2025. A freelancer driving 5,000 business miles/year leaves $3,350 on the table.

5. Software and subscriptions

Every tool you use for work — design software, project management, cloud storage — is deductible. Most freelancers only claim the obvious ones and miss 30-40% of what qualifies.

The real problem isn't knowing the rules — it's tracking receipts consistently. That's exactly why I built Fast Tax Filer. Upload your receipts, get a complete summary, file with confidence.