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Guides to Pricing, Taxes and Take-Home Pay
Business structure and S-corps
For new and growing business owners: LLCs, S-corps and paying yourself.
Pillar guideLLC vs. S-corpWhen an S-corp actually saves you money, with the math.Business structureWhen to elect S-corp: the $80K rule, testedWhere the S-corp break-even really is for your salary.Business structureS-corp reasonable salaryHow to set a salary the IRS will accept, and what it costs.Business structureHow to pay yourself from an LLCOwner's draw vs. salary, and how much is safe to take.Business structureDo you need an LLC?LLC vs. sole proprietor: same taxes, different protection and cost.Business structureHow to elect S-corp (Form 2553)Deadlines, who signs, where to file and late-election relief.Business structureS-corp tax in California and New York CityThe 1.5% and $800 rules, and NYC's 8.85% tax on S-corps.
Freelance pricing
Start with the pillar guide, then go deeper on the pricing model that fits your work.
Pillar guideHow to set your freelance rateThe formula, a calculator and worked examples.PricingSalary to freelance rateConvert a salary into a rate that replaces it.PricingHourly vs. project pricingWhich model pays more, and when to use each.PricingHow to price a freelance projectEstimate, buffer, deposit and scope, step by step.PricingHow to calculate your freelance day rateDay and half-day rates from your annual goal.Freelance pricingHow to write a freelance proposalA proposal outline, pricing section and scope that protect you.PricingHow to raise your freelance ratesTiming, how much, and three email templates.
Gig taxes
For delivery and rideshare drivers. Start with the complete guide, then go deeper on your app or deduction.
Pillar guideGig worker taxes: the complete guideSelf-employment tax, deductions, quarterly payments and filing.Gig taxesDoorDash taxesHow much to set aside, your 1099 and what Dashers can deduct.Gig taxesUber and Lyft driver taxesForms, deductions and quarterly taxes for rideshare drivers.Gig taxesInstacart shopper taxesFull-service shopper taxes, deductions and set-asides.Gig taxesNo tax on tips for driversHow the up-to-$25,000 tips deduction works for gig drivers.Gig taxesMileage deduction for delivery driversWhat miles count, the 72.5¢ rate and how to log them.Gig taxesStandard mileage vs. actual expensesWhich car deduction method saves drivers more.Gig taxes1099-K for gig workers in 2026The $20,000 federal rule, lower state limits, and no-1099 income.Gig taxesCar loan interest deduction for driversThe new up-to-$10,000 deduction and how it works with business use.
Self-employed taxes
For freelancers, side hustlers and gig workers.
Reference2026 tax numbersEvery 2026 figure we use, with its IRS or official source.Pillar guideHow much to set aside for taxesThe percentage to save from every payment when you're self-employed.Self-employed taxesQuarterly estimated taxes 2026–27Due dates, how much to pay, how to pay and how to avoid penalties.Self-employed taxesSelf-employment tax explainedThe 15.3% rate, how it's figured and how to lower it.Self-employed taxes2026 IRS mileage rate72.5¢ for business, plus medical, moving and charity rates.Self-employed taxesDeductions the self-employed missThe write-offs freelancers and gig workers most often skip.
Gig pay
What you really make driving for apps, and how to make more.
Pillar guideHow much delivery drivers really makeReal hourly pay after gas, wear, waiting and taxes.Gig payIs DoorDash worth it?How to decide with your own numbers, not someone else's.Gig payThe dollar-per-mile ruleWhere the $1-a-mile rule works, and where it fails.Gig payHow to calculate pay per mileThe real-distance math apps don't show you.Gig payDoorDash vs. Uber EatsHow to compare delivery apps on what you actually keep.Gig payWhat your car costs per mileGas, wear and value loss, worked out for your car.Gig payHow many hours to make $1,000 a weekHours, miles and earnings for a weekly goal.