Schedule C & Sole Proprietor Tax Services for Growing Businesses
CPAs who specialize in self-employment taxation, deduction optimization, and growth planning. We help sole proprietors minimize taxes and plan their path to entity election.
Talk to a sole proprietor tax specialist about your situation. Free consultation to discuss your needs.
SDO CPA specializes in sole proprietor and Schedule C taxation. We help self-employed individuals maximize deductions, understand self-employment tax, and plan their progression to LLC or S-Corp when the numbers make sense.
Common Problems We Address
Self-Employment Tax Shock
First-time filers discover 15.3% SE tax on top of income tax. We analyze S-Corp election timing and legitimate strategies to reduce SE tax burden.
Missed Deductions
DIY filers miss $3,000-$12,000 in legitimate business deductions annually. We systematically analyze all deduction categories using Schedule C expertise.
Home Office Confusion
Simplified vs. actual method uncertainty, fear of audit triggers. We calculate both methods and document properly to maximize safe deductions. Home office guide
Entity Structure Questions
Unsure when LLC or S-Corp election makes financial sense. We analyze your income level and project when entity change becomes beneficial. Entity comparison
Quarterly Tax Stress
Guessing at estimated payments, penalties for underpayment. We calculate quarterly estimates and adjust throughout year based on actual income. Quarterly checklist
Audit Anxiety
Schedule C has higher audit rates than W-2 returns. We document deductions properly and maintain audit-ready records that withstand scrutiny.
Comprehensive Sole Proprietor Services
We provide end-to-end sole proprietor tax services from new business setup through entity election. Our specialized focus means we maximize every Schedule C deduction.
Schedule C Preparation
Complete federal Schedule C preparation with all deduction categories maximized. Line-by-line analysis ensuring no deductions are missed. Schedule C instructions
Self-Employment Tax Planning
SE tax calculation and reduction strategies. S-Corp election analysis when income reaches $50,000-$80,000. SE tax guide
Business Deduction Optimization
Systematic analysis of all 20+ Schedule C deduction categories: vehicle, home office, equipment, supplies, professional services. Deductions list
Home Office Deduction
Simplified method ($5/sq ft) vs. actual expense calculation. Proper documentation to withstand IRS scrutiny. Home office guide
Quarterly Estimated Payments
Accurate quarterly payment calculations to avoid penalties. Safe harbor strategies and payment optimization. Quarterly checklist
QBI Deduction Maximization
Qualified Business Income deduction (up to 20% of profit). Ensure you’re not leaving QBI deduction on the table. QBI calculator
Entity Election Analysis
When does LLC make sense? When does S-Corp save money? Break-even analysis and implementation timeline. Entity comparison
Husband-Wife Business Structuring
Qualified Joint Venture election vs. partnership filing. Social Security and Medicare benefit optimization. QJV guide
Year-Round Tax Planning
Not just tax season support. Proactive planning for deduction timing and income management throughout the year.
Why Choose SDO CPA
Schedule C Specialists
We file hundreds of Schedule C returns annually. We know exactly where deductions are commonly missed. Every Schedule C situation isn’t new to us.
S-Corp Conversion Expertise
When you outgrow Schedule C, we handle the transition. Same CPA relationship continues as your business grows. Entity progression planning built into our approach.
Proactive Tax Planning
October call for year-end planning (not just April deadline focus). Quarterly estimated payment optimization. Deduction timing strategies.
Nationwide Service
Virtual consultations and secure document exchange. We serve sole proprietors in all 50 states. Same expertise regardless of location.
How It Works
Here’s exactly what to expect when you work with SDO CPA for Schedule C services:
Document Upload & Analysis
Upload prior year return and current year records. We analyze your current tax situation and deduction approach.
Deduction Discovery Call
30-minute call to discuss your business and identify missed deductions. We ask questions most DIY software doesn’t know to ask.
Engagement & Setup
Receive upfront estimate for services. Secure document portal access provided.
Tax Preparation & Review
Schedule C prepared with all deductions maximized. We review together before filing.
Year-Round Support
Quarterly estimated tax payment calculations. Entity election analysis as income grows. Questions answered throughout the year.
Pricing
Factors Affecting Price:
- Number of deduction categories
- Additional schedules (rental property, investments, etc.)
- Financial record organization and cleanup needed
- Home office calculation method
- Vehicle expense tracking method
- State filing requirements
Ongoing Advisory
Important Pricing Notes
We provide an upfront estimate after reviewing your situation. Pricing depends on complexity, number of schedules, and financial record organization. We can provide a more accurate estimate once we analyze your prior year tax return. If scope changes, we discuss first. No surprise bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Schedule C?
Schedule C reports sole proprietor business income and expenses on your personal tax return (Form 1040). Net profit flows to your total income and Schedule SE for self-employment tax.
When is Schedule C due?
April 15 with your personal return, or October 15 with extension. Quarterly estimated payments are due throughout the year to avoid penalties.
How much does Schedule C preparation cost?
$400-$1,500+ depending on complexity, additional schedules, and financial record organization. We provide upfront estimates after analyzing your prior year return and current situation.
What deductions can I take on Schedule C?
All ordinary and necessary business expenses: home office, vehicle, supplies, equipment, insurance, professional services, and more. See full list
Can I deduct home office?
Yes, if you use space exclusively and regularly for business. We calculate both simplified ($5/sq ft) and actual methods. Learn more
What is self-employment tax?
15.3% tax on net self-employment income (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). SE tax guide
When should I convert to S-Corp?
Generally when net profit exceeds $50,000-$80,000. We analyze your specific situation. Entity comparison
Do I need a CPA for Schedule C?
DIY software works for simple situations, but you likely miss $3,000+ in deductions. CPA expertise pays for itself.
What records should I keep?
Receipts, mileage logs, bank statements, invoices. We help organize and advise on record-keeping.
What if I’m behind on taxes?
We help catch up on prior years and get you compliant. It’s always better to file late than not at all.
Can I work with you remotely?
Yes, we serve sole proprietors nationwide via secure document exchange and video consultations.
What’s the difference between Schedule C and Form 1065?
Schedule C is for sole proprietors. Form 1065 is for partnerships (2+ owners). We help determine which applies.
What Clients Say
“I’d been doing my own Schedule C for years. SDO CPA found $7,200 in deductions I was missing, mostly home office calculated the right way and vehicle expenses I didn’t know I could take. Their fee paid for itself 10x.”
“When my income crossed $75,000, SDO analyzed the numbers and helped me elect S-Corp at the right time. They handled the transition seamlessly and I saved $4,800 in my first year as an S-Corp.”
“I used to stress about estimated payments constantly. SDO calculates my quarterlies based on actual income and adjusts throughout the year. No more surprises, no more penalties.”
Ready to Maximize Your Schedule C Deductions?
Stop leaving money on the table. Work with CPAs who specialize in sole proprietor taxation.
Schedule Consultation
Talk to a Schedule C specialist about your specific situation
Schedule Consultation