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Independent contractors are people that are self-employed and work on a project or on an independent contract basis for their clients.
As an independent contractor, keeping track of and controlling your expenses is essential to ensure you maximize your profits and minimize your tax liability.
One way to do this is by using an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet.
An independent contractor expenses spreadsheet is a tool that helps freelancers track and organize their actual expenses.
These spreadsheets are made up of a table that allows contractors to input their expenses, sort and filter their financial data, and perform calculations via formulas and functions.
This data can be used to identify areas where they can cut business costs and increase profits.
What is an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet?
An independent contractor expenses spreadsheet is a tool that helps independent contractors track business expenses.
Expense spreadsheets have a table where you can record the costs incurred while freelancing.
Spreadsheets can be created using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, allowing users to sort and filter their financial data.
Independent contractors, since they work for themselves, must manage their finances, including tracking expenses and filing taxes.
Using an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet, freelancers can do simple record keeping for the money spent to run their business, including fees for equipment, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.
By keeping track of their expenses, independent contractors can accurately calculate their net income.
Using an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet has several benefits, such as:
- Organizing and categorizing expenses, making it easier to identify areas where costs can be reduced.
- Ensuring that all expenses are accounted for and that the contractor isn’t missing out on any tax deductions.
- Managing finances efficiently and accurately, which helps the contractor maximize their income and reduce their tax liability.
Why is it important to manage independent contractor expenses?
Managing independent contractor expenses is necessary for several reasons.
1. Tax time preparation and deductions
First and foremost, managing expenses helps independent contractors keep track of their financial data and accurately calculate their taxable income.
Independent contractors can claim tax deductions and reduce tax liability by tracking expenses.
Tracking expenses can also help independent contractors identify potential tax write-offs, such as business travel, equipment, supplies, and home office expenses, which reduces their taxable income.
By keeping track of expenses, independent contractors can ensure they’re not missing out on any tax deductions they’re eligible for.
2. Business organization and accurate records
Managing independent contractor expenses can help small business owners and self-employed individuals stay organized and maintain accurate financial records.
Having accurate records of expenses is especially important when it comes to accounting and tax preparation.
By keeping detailed records of expenses, independent contractors can easily categorize expenses for their Schedule C category and provide their accountants with the necessary financial data for tax calculations.
3. A clearer picture of financial standing
Keeping track of independent contractor expenses can provide a clear picture of an individual’s financial situation.
Managing expenses effectively can help independent contractors make informed decisions about their business and identify areas where they can cut costs or increase annual revenue.
By organizing expenses, independent contractors can better understand their cash flow and make more informed financial decisions.
Overall, managing independent contractor expenses is essential for anyone who is self-employed or works as an independent contractor.
By keeping accurate records and seeking professional advice when necessary, independent contractors can ensure that they maximize their tax deductions and maintain accurate financial records.
What are the best independent contractor expenses spreadsheet templates?
Using a spreadsheet is a convenient way of tracking expenses as an independent contractor.
Below are some of the top independent contractor expense spreadsheets available for free download.
1. Spreadsheetpoint.com‘s independent contractor expenses spreadsheet
Spreadsheetpoint.com offers a free independent contractor expenses spreadsheet that’s easy to use and can help freelancers keep track of their expenses.
The spreadsheet includes fields for date, description, category, amount, and notes, making it easy to categorize expenses and track spending trends over time.
The template is available in Excel and can be downloaded for free from their website.
2. Keeper Tax’s independent contractor expenses spreadsheet
Keeper Tax’s independent contractor expenses spreadsheet is another great option for freelancers looking to track their expenses.
The spreadsheet is designed to help users easily categorize their expenses and includes fields for date, description, category, and amount.
The template is available in Excel and can be downloaded for free from their website.
Keeper Tax also offers a paid service that automatically categorizes and tracks expenses for users, making it an excellent option for those who want to save time.
3. Freshbooks’ free contractor invoice template
Freshbooks offers free invoice templates for contractors with various styles to suit your business.
Each template is designed for specific industries and includes details for tracking business finances efficiently, including cells where you can input the item’s description, unit cost, quantity, and total amount.
You can download their templates in DOC, XLS, and PDF.
4. Hello Bonsai’s self-employed expenses spreadsheet
HelloBonsai offers different expense spreadsheets for bookkeeping, quotes, contracts, proposals, invoices, and forms for various industries.
You can download each template after signing up for an account.
Once you sign up, you’ll receive additional information about each form, the benefits of using HelloBonsai’s templates, and how to create a spreadsheet to maximize your business tax deductions.
5. Bonus: Shoeboxed to streamline your expense tracking
If you’re looking for a way to automate your expense spreadsheet, Shoeboxed is your best bet.
With Shoeboxed, you can outsource your receipt and document scanning using their Magic Envelope.
Shoeboxed’s Magic Envelope allows you to stuff your receipts inside a prepaid envelope, mail it to a scanning facility, and get the expense organization done for you.
Once your expenses are scanned into your Shoeboxed account and organized into digital records, you can create and export a CSV file and open it in Excel to track your expenses.
All of your previous expenses will be automatically included in your spreadsheet and categorized into columns for the receipt date, store, notes, currency, totals, payment type, and more.
Links to images of your receipts are also included in the spreadsheet for easy access, should you ever be audited.
This feature is especially useful if you have hundreds of old receipts that you haven’t gotten around to organizing.
The spreadsheet is also completely customizable, so you can remove the columns you don’t want and add new expenses to your spreadsheet as you see fit.
Shoeboxed makes it easy for independent contractors to stay on top of their finances, organize old receipts, and prepare for tax time.
Shoeboxed offers a variety of plans to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you choose to use the digital-only free plan or a paid service, there are plenty of options available to help you stay organized and save time.
How do you create an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet?
You can use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet using the actual expense method.
Excel and Google Sheets offer a range of features that can help freelancers and independent contractors track expenses and manage their finances.
Follow the steps below for creating an effective spreadsheet:
Step 1. Set up the spreadsheet
Create a blank spreadsheet and add columns for the different types of expenses you want to track.
Common categories include office supplies, travel expenses, and professional development.
You can also include columns for the expense date, the amount, and any notes or comments.
Step 2. Use formulas and functions
One of the benefits of using a spreadsheet is that you can perform calculations automatically using formulas and functions.
For example, you can use the SUM function to add up the total expenses for each category or the AVERAGE function to calculate the average cost per expense.
Step 3. Sort and filter data
Another advantage of using a spreadsheet is that you can sort and filter your data to make it easier to analyze.
For example, you can sort your expenses by date to see how much you spent each month or filter by category column to see how much you spent on travel versus office supplies.
Step 4. Keep the spreadsheet up-to-date
To get the most benefit from your spreadsheet, it’s important to keep it up-to-date.
Make sure to record your expenses on a regular basis and review the spreadsheet periodically to ensure that everything is accurate and complete.
By following these steps, freelancers and independent contractors can create an effective expense spreadsheet to help them manage their finances and stay on top of their expenses.
What expenses should be tracked in an expense spreadsheet?
When tracking expenses as an independent contractor, it’s essential to record all relevant costs accurately.
Doing so allows you to claim the maximum tax deductions, calculate your net income, and keep your finances in order.
Below are some of the expenses that should be tracked in an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet:
1. Travel expenses
If you travel for work, expenses such as airfare, lodging, and rental car expenses should be recorded in your spreadsheet.
You can also include other expenses like parking fees, tolls, and public transportation costs.
2. Receipts
Any receipts, including digital receipts, related to your business—such as those for office supplies, equipment, or business meals—should be kept and recorded in your spreadsheet.
It’s a good idea to categorize receipts based on the type of business expense they represent.
3. Equipment
If you need to purchase equipment or tools to perform your work, such as a computer or specialized software, you can record these expenses in your spreadsheet.
Your spreadsheet can also include the cost of repairs or upgrades to existing equipment.
4. Home office
If you work from home, you can track expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and internet bills.
It’s important to note that the IRS has specific rules around what can be claimed as a home office deduction, so it’s crucial to consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance.
Watch this video for a detailed explanation of home office deductions:
5. Business insurance
If you have business insurance, such as liability or professional insurance, you can track the cost of insurance premiums in your spreadsheet.
6. Merchant fees
If you accept payments through credit card processors or other merchant services, you can record the fees associated with these services in your spreadsheet.
7. Supplies
Any office supplies you purchase for your business, such as paper or ink, can be recorded in your spreadsheet.
8. Internet bills
If you use the internet for your work, you can track the cost of your internet bill as an expense.
9. Training
If you attend training or conferences related to your work, you can record the cost of these events in your spreadsheet.
10. Gifts
If you give gifts to clients or business partners, you can track the cost of these gifts in your spreadsheet.
11. Business meals
If you have business meals with clients or partners, you can track the cost of these meals in your spreadsheet.
Keep in mind that the IRS has specific rules around what can be claimed as a business meal deduction, so it’s crucial to consult a tax professional to ensure compliance.
Tracking expenses in an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet can help you stay organized and ensure that you’re claiming the maximum amount of deductions on your taxes.
By recording all relevant expenses, you have a clearer view of your finances and can make informed decisions about your business.
How do you categorize and calculate expenses in spreadsheets?
When categorizing and calculating expenses in an independent contractor expenses spreadsheet, it’s important to be organized and consistent.
An organized spreadsheet will help you keep track of your expenses and make it easier to calculate your total expenses at the end of the year.
Follow the steps below to categorize and calculate expenses in your spreadsheet:
Step 1. Categorizing expenses
The first step to categorizing expenses in your spreadsheet is to create categories that make sense for your business.
This could include categories such as office supplies, travel expenses, and equipment costs.
Once you set up your categories, you can enter your expenses into the appropriate category.
Step 2. Calculating expenses
You can use formulas and functions in the spreadsheet to calculate your total expenses for each category.
For example, you could use the SUM function to add up all expenses in a category or use the AVERAGE function to calculate the average expense amount for a particular category.
Step 3. Standard mileage rate
If you use your personal vehicle for business purposes, you can deduct your mileage expenses from your taxes. The standard mileage rate for 2023 is 58 cents per mile.
To calculate your mileage expenses, you can use an app with a mileage tracker, like Shoeboxed, or simply keep track of your mileage manually and enter the total amount into the spreadsheet.
Shoeboxed’s built-in mileage tracker automatically calculates the distance traveled, which you can then export in an expense report for tax purposes.
Step 4. Expense amount
When entering expenses into the spreadsheet, be sure to include the expense amount, the date of the expense, and a description of what the expense was for.
Including the expense amount will make tracking and calculating your total expenses for each category easier.
Step 5. Total amount
At the end of the year, you can use the spreadsheet to calculate your total expenses for each category and your total expenses for the year.
Calculating your total expenses will make it easier to file your taxes and determine how much you owe (or if you’re entitled to a refund).
By categorizing and calculating your expenses in an independent contractor expense spreadsheet, you can easily track your expenses and ensure that you’re claiming the deductions you’re entitled to.
5 Tips for managing independent contractor expenses
Managing expenses can be daunting, but it’s crucial for the success of any business.
Below are some tips to help you manage your independent contractor expenses effectively:
1. Keep track of all expenses
It’s essential to keep track of all big and small expenses, including advertising, meals, gifts, and business meals.
By keeping track of every expense you make, you can identify areas where you can cut back and save money.
2. Understand IRS rules and regulations
As an independent contractor, it’s crucial to understand the IRS rules and regulations regarding expenses.
These include understanding which expenses are tax deductible and which are not.
It’s also important to keep all receipts and invoices for expenses, as these will be needed during tax filing season.
3. Hire a professional
If you need help managing your independent contractor expenses, consider hiring a professional.
A tax professional can provide valuable insight into bookkeeping as an independent contractor, managing your expenses, and ensuring that you comply with IRS rules and regulations.
4. Understand tax forms
As an independent contractor, you will need to file a tax form 1099. Understanding this form and how to fill it out correctly is essential.
If you’re unsure, consider hiring a professional to assist you.
Watch this video on how to maximize deductions as a 1099 contractor:
5. Consider a sole proprietorship
A sole proprietorship can provide tax benefits and make it easier to manage your expenses.
In conclusion, managing independent contractor expenses can be challenging, but it’s important for the success of any business.
By keeping track of your expenses, understanding IRS rules and regulations, using a spreadsheet, hiring a professional, understanding tax forms, and considering a sole proprietorship, you can effectively manage your expenses and save money in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
To create an expense spreadsheet for independent contractors, use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create a table to track expenses. The spreadsheet should include the date, expense description, amount, and category columns.
Update the spreadsheet regularly to ensure accurate financial records.
Independent contractors should track all business-related expenses, including office supplies, travel expenses, equipment expenses, and professional services. They should also track expenses related to marketing, advertising, and website development.
The templates from Spreadsheetpoint, Keeper Tax, Freshbooks, and Hello Bonsai are popular free spreadsheet templates for self-employed people.
Categorizing expenses is crucial for tax purposes as it helps claim tax deductions.
Independent contractors should categorize expenses into different categories, such as office, travel, equipment, and professional services.
It’s important to keep the receipts and invoices of all expenses to support tax deductions.
To calculate tax deductions for independent contractor expenses, subtract the total expenses from the total income.
The resulting amount is the net income, on which the taxes are calculated.
Independent contractors can claim tax deductions on business-related expenses, including office supplies, travel expenses, and professional services.
Update the spreadsheet regularly, categorize expenses accurately, keep receipts and invoices of all expenses, and review the spreadsheet periodically to ensure accuracy.
Independent contractors should also seek professional help to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.
As a self-employed individual, you need to make tax payments yourself. The total amount is 15.3%, 12.4% for Social Security, and 2.9% for Medicare.
In closing
Independent contractors can gain valuable insights into their business operations by tracking their expenses with spreadsheets.
An independent contractor expenses spreadsheet is a valuable tool for any contractor looking to improve their financial management.
By creating and maintaining an accurate spreadsheet, contractors can save money, improve their profitability, and make informed decisions about their business.
Tammy Dang is a staff writer for Shoeboxed covering productivity, organization, and digitization how-to guides for the home and office. Her favorite organization tip is “1-in-1-out.” And her favorite app for managing writers and deadlines is Monday.com.
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