Profit or Loss from Business
Reports business income and expenses. Calculates net profit, which flows to Form 1040 and is subject to income tax and self-employment tax.
Who Files This Form
Sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, and freelancers/independent contractors
Due Date
Filed with Form 1040 by April 15
Every deductible business expense (home office, mileage, equipment, software) reduces both income tax and self-employment tax. Keep detailed records.
Line 1: Gross receipts (total income). Line 2: Returns and allowances. Line 4: Cost of goods sold. Line 7: Gross profit. Line 8-27: Expenses (advertising, car/truck, commissions, supplies, travel, utilities, wages, etc.). Line 28: Total expenses. Line 31: Net profit or loss (flows to Form 1040 Line 3 and Schedule SE). Line 32: Home office deduction.
1) Commingling personal and business expenses. 2) Not tracking mileage for vehicle deduction. 3) Forgetting to deduct home office (if eligible). 4) Not keeping receipts and documentation. 5) Misclassifying employees as contractors. 6) Forgetting to file Schedule SE for self-employment tax. 7) Not making quarterly estimated tax payments. 8) Overstating meal/entertainment deductions (50% limit applies).
Included with tax software (FreeTaxUSA, TurboTax Self-Employed). Download from irs.gov. Tax software walks you through each line with plain-English questions.
Yes, e-file with Form 1040. Tax software handles this automatically. FreeTaxUSA supports Schedule C for free federal filing.
Same as Form 1040 penalties. Additionally, accuracy-related penalty of 20% of underpaid tax if IRS finds negligence or substantial understatement. Keep documentation for all deductions in case of audit.
Official IRS Source
Always download the current version and instructions from the IRS website before filing.