Self-Employment Tax: The Bill Freelancers Don't Expect
Working for yourself means covering both halves of Social Security and Medicare.
By Raymond Ortega · June 17, 2026
Raymond Ortega
Business Tax Analyst
Raymond Ortega analyzes small-business, self-employment, and corporate tax issues, with an emphasis on compliance, deductions, and the practical cost of policy changes.
Latest by Raymond
LLC vs. S-Corp: How Your Business Structure Affects Taxes
The right entity choice can change how much self-employment tax you owe.
By Raymond Ortega · May 22, 2026
The Tax Credits Small Businesses Frequently Miss
From hiring to retirement plans, credits can beat deductions dollar-for-dollar.
By Raymond Ortega · May 18, 2026
How Capital Gains Taxes Work, Start to Finish
Buying, holding, and selling assets each carry tax consequences.
By Raymond Ortega · May 17, 2026
Writing Off a Business Vehicle: Mileage vs. Actual Costs
Two methods, two very different outcomes at tax time.
By Raymond Ortega · May 10, 2026
What Counts as Taxable Income — and What Doesn't
Not every dollar you receive is taxed, and the exceptions surprise people.
By Raymond Ortega · May 5, 2026
Small Business Taxes 101: What Every Owner Should Know
From estimated payments to deductions, the essentials of staying compliant.
By Raymond Ortega · April 25, 2026
Sales Tax Nexus: The Rule That Trips Up Online Sellers
Selling across state lines can create tax duties far from home.
By Raymond Ortega · April 25, 2026
How the Tax Code Treats Startup Costs
New businesses can deduct or amortize the price of getting off the ground.
By Raymond Ortega · April 19, 2026
Deductible Business Expenses: What Counts and What Doesn't
Ordinary and necessary costs cut taxable income — with good records.
By Raymond Ortega · March 11, 2026
1099 vs. W-2: Why Worker Classification Matters for Taxes
Getting it wrong can mean back taxes and penalties for businesses.
By Raymond Ortega · February 12, 2026
Hiring Your First Employee? The Tax Duties That Follow
Payroll taxes, withholding, and filings come with every hire.
By Raymond Ortega · January 30, 2026
The Tax Terms Everyone Should Understand
A plain-English glossary of the words that show up on your return.
By Raymond Ortega · January 23, 2026
Payroll Taxes: The FICA Line on Your Pay Stub, Decoded
Social Security and Medicare taxes fund programs you'll likely use.
By Raymond Ortega · January 11, 2026
Recordkeeping for Taxes: What Businesses Must Save and for How Long
Good records survive audits and unlock every deduction you've earned.
By Raymond Ortega · January 9, 2026