Get Your Freelance Tax Information Ready Now! The IRS Announces Tax Return Filing Starts Jan 29, 2024

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, as the official start date of the nation's 2024 tax season when the agency will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax returns.  The time is now to review deductions and start organizing your business records for the 2024 filing season in order to get ahead of the April 15 tax filing deadline.

Expecting a freelance tax refund? Start organizing your tax return documents to expedite the tax preparation process and get any potential refund sooner:

• Gather and organize tax records including prior year tax return, this includes Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Identification Numbers and, if you have one, an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.
• A listing of the estimated tax payments you made to the IRS and other state and local entities (list out the entity which paid, the date paid, and the amount paid).
• 1099s, W-2s, and any other documentation related to your freelance income. All freelance income must be reported, even if you don’t receive supporting documentation.
• Statements for any qualified retirement contributions you made into a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) IRA or other pre-tax retirement investment vehicles.
• Receipts for any deductions that you claim for supplies, meals, travel and other business-related expenses. 
• See the list of potential deductions below for other documentation you may need to complete your freelance tax preparation.

If you expect a tax refund, the easiest way to check your refund's status is by using Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app. Under the federal Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds before mid-February. 

16 Key Freelance Tax Deductions to Reduce Your 2023 Self-employed Tax Obligations

As you begin planning for tax filing, review the list below to ensure you are getting all the business deductions to which you are entitled.  As always, if you need assistance, speak with a self-employed tax professional. 

If you are expecting to owe taxes on your 2023 freelance tax return, you will want to reduce your taxable income as much as possible with eligible business deductions. This list is a good starting reference point:

1. Startup costs - deductible up to $5,000

Small business owners may take a startup cost deduction of up to $5,000 in startup costs in their first year of business. This can include legal fees, employee training, and market research.  You can only take this $5,000 deduction ‌if your total startup costs are $50,000 or less. If your startup costs exceed $50,000, you'll see a reduction in your allowable deduction. If your startup costs are over $55,000, you won't be able to take the deduction.

2. Home office - deductible varies 

Small business owners who work from home or have a dedicated home office can take this deduction. The deduction amount depends on the percentage of the home you use for business purposes. There are two methods for determining your home office deduction:

1. Simplified method (Square feet of your home office x $5.00). This method is the easiest for home office deductions. You can deduct $5.00 per square foot of your home office space, but only up to $1,500. So, even if your home office is over 300 square feet ($5 x 300 square feet = $,1500), you can only take $1,500 as a deduction.
2. Standard method (Square feet of your home office / total home square feet) x home expenses). The standard method is a bit more complicated, but it also means you can deduct more expenses. With the standard home office deduction, you’ll need to keep track of all your home expenses. This includes the cost of home repairs and upkeep, as well as rent and utilities.  

Using this method for example, say your home office is 300 square feet and your home is 1,500 square feet. Your total home expenses for the year were $10,000. Your deduction would be $2,000, or (300 / 1,500) x $10,000. forget that you can also deduct any home office supplies and furniture you. 

3. Retirement plan contributions.

Making contributions to retirement accounts is a smart move for your financial future - and they are business write offs.. The amount you can deduct depends on the type of plan you have or set up. For example, the limits for 2023 are:

• 401(k) plans: $22,500 ($30,000 if you’re 50 or older)
• Simple IRAs: $15,500 ($19,000 if you’re 50 or older)
• Traditional IRAs: $6,500 ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older) 

Matching contributions: Those contributions made to your employees’ accounts are tax deductible, to a limit. The total limit for a 401(k), including employee and employer contributions, is $66,000 for 2023 ($73,500 if you’re 50 or older).

4. Asset Depreciation.

Depreciation is a tax break that allows businesses to write off the cost of certain assets over time. This can include equipment, vehicles, and property. For most assets, nearly the entire purchase price is tax deductible over time. By spreading out the cost of these assets over several years, businesses can reduce their taxable income and lower their tax bill.  This can result in large savings and is easily overlooked.

5. Certain meals can also be a small business deduction in two different ways:

1. Meals for employees/company-wide social events:  These are 100% tax deductible, such as food for holiday parties. 
2. Business meals:  These are 50% tax-deductible for clients or prospects. The meal must be business-related, reasonably priced, and you or an employee must be present. You can also deduct 50% of meals you purchase from a restaurant during the course of business travel.

6. 1099 deductions for contractor-provided services.

If you hire a contractor or freelancer, you can deduct the entire cost. For example, if you pay a freelancer $1,500 for work on your website. The entire $1,500 is fully tax-deductible. These 1099 write-offs can reduce your tax liability, whether you’re a business owner or a freelancer. If you’re a freelancer or contractor who receives a 1099-NEC, you may be eligible for certain 1099 deductions, such as claiming part of your self-employment tax as a deduction.

7. Business travel is 100% deductible.

If you need to travel out of town for business, the cost of getting to and from your destination is tax-deductible including mileage at 67 cents per mile in 2024; it was 65.5 cents in 2023. Lodging expenses are also 100% tax-deductible. 

Deductible costs also include plane tickets, hotels, rental car costs, parking fees, cost of taxis or ridesharing, etc. Business must be the main purpose of your trip but if it includes personal costs as well, keep records of your business travel expenses separately.

8. Gifts - Maximum deduction of $25.00/person.

Gifts for clients, customers, and employees are deductible. But there’s a catch—the limit is $25.00 per person. Promotional items with your company's name, such as calendars or pens, don’t count toward that limit if they cost $4.00 or less.

9. Auto expenses - 100% or percent of vehicle usage deductible.

Small business owners can deduct auto expenses, even if it’s their own car. If the vehicle is solely for business use, all costs are tax-deductible. If you use the car for business and personal activities, the standard mileage rate or actual expenses method will determine the deduction amount. Here is how to calculate it: 

As noted above, the standard mileage rate for 2023 is $0.655 per mile. The standard mileage rate is the easiest. You track your miles and multiply that by the IRS standard mileage rate. For example, if you used your personal vehicle to drive 5,000 miles for business, your deduction would be $327.50, or 5,000 x $0.655. 

Another way to take a business vehicle deduction is through the actual expense method which is calculated like this:

Total vehicle expenses x business miles divided by total miles.

The actual expense method means you track all vehicle-related expenses, such as insurance, fuel, and maintenance. You’ll also track your miles driven for business. Your deduction amount will be the total expenses for your car multiplied by the percentage of business-related miles.

10. Business taxes are deductible.

This includes taxes you pay for payroll, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes.  Other examples include: (1) State and local income tax, (2) Sales tax for business purchases; and (3) Real estate tax for business property.

11. Charitable contributions, review rules for accurate deductions.

There are tax breaks available for small businesses that make charitable contributions including the following:

•  100% of charitable contributions are deductible if it's on their personal taxes. Small business owners that run sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited liability companies (LLCs) can take advantage of this.
• 25% of the contribution is deductible if the business operates as a corporation.

12. Rent and utilities are 100% deductible. 

​​Rent payments for business properties:  The deduction includes offices, storage, warehouse, etc.   If you have an agreement to buy the property at some point, you cannot deduct rent payments. The property must be exclusively for business purposes.  If you use any part of the property for personal purposes, the rent payments may not be fully deductible.

13. Interest on debts related to your business.

Interest that your business pays on debt, such as loans or credit cards, is tax-deductible. Your business must be legally liable for the debt. Businesses with revenue of $27 million or less can deduct 100% of their interest expenses. For all others, there is a limit on the tax deductibility of interest expenses. The deduction cannot be above 30% of your taxable income. 

14. Salaries and wages that you pay your employees.

This includes salaries, wages, bonuses, and benefits. However, salaries must be reasonable and ordinary.  In order to qualify for deducting employee compensation costs, small business owners must properly document all payments, including keeping detailed records of hours worked, pay rates, and any additional benefits or bonuses.

15. Legal and professional fees, Business Insurance, and Health Insurance are all 100% deductible.

1.  Legal/Professional fees:  Assuming they’re necessary for your business they’re all deductible. Deductible legal fees can be for such things as: (1) tax issues, (2) discrimination claims; and (3) business sales.  Legal fees unrelated to your business, such as those for personal matters or hobbies, are not deductible.
2. Business Insurance:   Insurance premiums are 100% deductible. This includes all types of insurance you may need to run your business. Examples of eligible insurance include: (1) liability; (2) workers' compensation; (3) auto; and (4) property.
3.  Health Insurance:  Small businesses can deduct the entire cost of health insurance premiums for their employees.  To be deductible, however, employers must generally pay 50% or more of their employees’ premiums.  Self-employed individuals, including independent contractors, freelancers, and sole proprietors, can also deduct 100% of the health insurance premiums they pay for themselves and their families.

16.  Subscriptions, Internet/phone, Education, and Marketing/Advertising - 100% deductible

1. Subscriptions:  This includes subscriptions to software services, trade publications, and online resources that are necessary for your business. 
2. Phone/Internet:  These expenses for small businesses are eligible for deductions. All phone or interest usage for your business is tax deductible. If you use your phone and internet for both personal and business, only business-related use is deductible.
3. Education: The IRS offers tax breaks for small businesses that pay for education expenses. To qualify for the education deduction, the costs must add value to the business and improve or maintain necessary skills. Examples include classes, workshops, seminars, publication subscriptions, books.
4. Marketing/Advertising: These include expenses for campaigns to generate or retain customers such as:  (1) ads on social media platforms; (2) newspaper and TV ads; and (3) sponsoring events or conferences. Be sure to retain records of all marketing expenses including receipts, invoices, and payments to verify the costs.

Now is the time to start getting your freelance tax documentation together so you can check it off your to-do list and file your taxes in a timely fashion. Be sure to track your deductions, and if you have trouble efficiently gathering tax documents, start systematizing your documentation process now to make it easier next year.

Simplify your freelance taxes and take advantage of tax breaks with professional help.

Getting a head start on tax season can help you alleviate the burden of preparing your freelance taxes. By working with a tax professional you can ensure that you can take advantage of new tax breaks and all of the ones you are entitled to. 

If you have questions about your freelance taxes, you owe taxes or you have back taxes and unfiled returns, it is advisable to speak with a self-employment tax professional to ensure you receive accurate advice that is specific to your individual tax situation.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/25/get-your-freelance-tax-information-ready-now-the-irs-announces-tax-return-filing-starts-jan-29-2024/

The IRS Is Open for Business: Why E-Filing Is a Smart Choice

This article is posted with permission from our partner TaxAct. File your freelance taxes with confidence using TaxAct’s easy-to-use tax software. Freelancers Union members get 25% off the cost of federal and state tax filing: https://bit.ly/freelancers_taxact_blog

The IRS officially kicks off the 2023 tax season on Jan. 29, 2024, which would make this the first day the agency begins accepting both e-filed and paper income tax returns. However, if you want to get an early start on tax filing, you can complete your income tax return with us at TaxAct, and we’ll send it to the IRS right away when they begin accepting returns on Jan. 29.

If you’ve already completed your 2023 return — great! Your return should be one of the first in line for processing by the IRS. But if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, don’t fret. You have plenty of time to get started.

In fact, you can easily begin today by selecting the 2023 TaxAct^® product that best fits your tax situation.

Why e-file your taxes?

Choosing to electronically file (e-file) your tax return is the quickest and most efficient way to submit your taxes to the IRS. But that’s not the only reason you should consider e-filing your return this year. Let’s go over a few more reasons why e-filing may be the best option for you this year.

1. Fast and accurate filing: no math required

When you e-file using tax prep software such as TaxAct, you can complete your return faster and with greater accuracy. That’s because tax software like ours does the math for you and guides you through every step of your return, even potentially helping you identify opportunities for tax savings.

Not only that, but the IRS can process your income tax return faster when you e-file your taxes. You don’t have to rely on snail mail, which tacks on extra time before the IRS has your return in hand.

E-filing also lessens the risk of someone at the IRS mistyping your information from a paper form into their system, so it can reduce the likelihood of human error causing a problematic typo on your tax return.

2. Get your tax refund faster

If you’re due a tax refund for 2023, e-filing usually means your money will hit your bank account much quicker. When you e-file your tax return, it’s immediately sent to the IRS for processing, whereas paper tax returns take much longer. You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tracking tool 24 hours after e-filing your tax return, but you’ll have to wait up to four weeks to track your refund if you paper filed your tax return.

Want your tax refund even faster? Make sure to select direct deposit as your method of receiving your tax refund to have your money in hand as quickly as possible.

3. Receive confirmation for peace of mind

One of the main benefits of e-filing is that you can elect to get an electronic confirmation when the IRS receives your tax return. No more waiting and wondering if the return you gave to the mailman has reached its intended destination. Once you file your return using TaxAct and it’s accepted by the IRS, we’ll send you an email or text notification letting you know processing is underway.

4. E-file now, pay later

It is a common misconception that you must pay any taxes owed immediately when you e-file your tax return. In truth, you have some flexibility.

You can pay tax amounts owed when you e-file, or you can e-file early and set up an automatic payment to be made on the tax deadline (April 15, 2024). Payments can be sent electronically from your bank account, with a check, through a money order, or by credit card.

While you still must pay your tax bill by the tax filing deadline, filing early gives you more time to prepare and save for any unexpected taxes owed.

5. Stay organized

Using DIY software to file your taxes creates a permanent electronic record of your tax return. This allows you to easily access it for future use, like when tax time rolls around next year. If you continue to use TaxAct as your means of e-filing, we’ll already have your 2023 tax return data from the previous year, meaning we can immediately transfer last year’s information into your new tax return to save time.

Plus, let’s be honest, it’s much easier to keep track of a digital copy saved on your computer than having to track down a paper copy. With TaxAct, once you file this year’s tax return, you can access it for seven years at no charge. Goodbye, cluttered filing cabinets!

6. Keep more money in your pocket when e-filing

Don’t spend more money than necessary to file your income tax return. With just a little comparison shopping, it’s easy to identify affordable options, and our prices are hard to beat.

Ready to beat the rush and put tax filing behind you? Start e-filing your tax return today.

This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.

All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/24/the-irs-is-open-for-business-why-e-filing-is-a-smart-choice/

Boss Mindset: Wisdom

In traditional employment contexts, other people not only own your skillset, but they also own your ideas and the products of your labor.  

This unequal bargain now means that because the company owns your skills, it is their job to “professionally develop” you. In employee-employer relationships, we rely on others to define our goals and push us toward achieving them. This dependence not only destroys our intrinsic motivation but also dulls our capacity to understand our purpose and build meaningfully toward it.  

Independent workers must break away from the traditional power dynamics by reclaiming ownership of their skills and expertise. Unlike conventional employees, whose skills are often considered company assets, freelancers own their expertise. This power shift allows freelancers to decide how, when, and where they want to develop their skills, putting them in the driver's seat of their growth as an entrepreneur and a human.  

This is the third part of a series on Boss Mindset: How to Own Our Work,  Worth, and Wisdom.  

Let’s talk about wisdom.  

Expertise and Authority  

For independent workers, skills and ideas are not commodities owned by someone else. This freedom fosters creativity, innovation, and a sense of ownership over our expertise. This freedom also forces our ideas to compete in an open market, which demands that we consistently improve what we do and how we do it to succeed. 

Freelancers who run their businesses like a boss take this challenge seriously and leverage their expertise as an authority with their clients. Clients are not looking for an employee that they have to tell what to do, train, and manage along the way. Clients are looking for top-tier experts who understand precisely what they need and then independently execute.  

Operating at this level of authority fundamentally changes the value proposition for clients and the understanding of worth as a freelancer. Instead of just an executor whose value is dictated by time spent or deliverables completed, expert freelancers are compensated for the value of the problems they solve for their clients.  

Self-Development  

To operate at the highest level of expertise, professional development has to be a self-driven pursuit. Freelancers recognize the need to stay relevant in a dynamic market and actively seek opportunities for continuous learning. Whether enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or participating in industry events, freelancers take charge of their own development, recognizing that their skills are an asset they control. 

Freelancers are not just workers; they are entrepreneurs. They operate as small businesses, managing their brand, marketing their skills, and seeking growth opportunities. This entrepreneurial mindset encourages freelancers to view their skills as a personal investment and actively seek ways to enhance and diversify their offerings. 

The intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of entrepreneurship reinforce the drive to get better and better at what we do. When we own the choice to develop ourselves and seek out exciting and relevant opportunities professionally, the improvement process is a reward in and of itself. This is only reinforced by the extrinsic rewards of better clients, more exciting projects, and higher rates.  

Doing Less Better 

As we grow as professionals, we must constantly be vigilant of refocusing our efforts on what we’re best positioned to do, which changes over time. Freelancers who start as “just” doers and progress to strategic thought partners often get caught up in continuing to do all of the tasks instead of refining what they focus their energy on. As we progress, improving means doing less better, not doing more.  

This trap is particularly hard for solopreneurs to avoid because we’ve built single-person businesses and relied on our talents exclusively for so long. Doing less better doesn’t have to mean hiring a big team.  

Here are a few ways you can refine what you do so that you continue to grow:  

• Evolve client relationships: Long-term clients will want to grow with you. Think about how you can redefine your relationship and scope with them to reflect your direction better.  
• Say no: Inevitably, as we grow, projects and clients that used to be a good fit will cease to be. As opposed to existing clients that can grow with us, there will come a time when you have to say no to new clients who are no longer a good fit for your evolving business.  
• Delegate and outsource: Finding new clients is rarely a problem for expert freelancers who maintain their expertise and relevancy in the market. If you’ve built a reputation as an authority in your field, your existing clients will never leave, and new clients will always come along. The trick now is refining the role you play in the client experience. Explore whether there are parts of your business that no longer make sense for you to do but might be a good option for someone else.  

As freelancers, our skills are personal assets, our ideas are individual property, and our products of labor become avenues for personal and financial growth. Working independently requires us to take ownership of our skill sets and expertise to succeed as a business, evolve ourselves as individuals, and build meaningful work that lasts a lifetime.  

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/23/boss-mindset-wisdom/

5 Self-Employed IRS Tax Forms for 2023

This article is posted with permission from our partner TaxAct. File your freelance taxes with confidence using TaxAct’s easy-to-use tax software. Freelancers Union members get 25% off the cost of federal and state tax filing: https://bit.ly/freelancers_taxact_blog

If you’re even a moderately successful freelancer, you likely know must file a tax return and pay taxes on your income. But which tax forms do you need to file your self-employment taxes?

At a glance:

• In addition to the usual Form 1040, if you are self-employed, you will likely need to attach certain schedules, like Schedule C or Schedule SE.
• Use any 1099-NEC forms you receive to accurately report your self-employment income.
• Form 8829 can help you figure the home office deduction, if applicable.

Here are five Internal Revenue Service (IRS) self-employed tax forms and information that might be relevant to your tax situation.

1. Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Return

Most U.S. tax filers use Form 1040 even when they’re not self-employed. This form is comprised of different sections where you can report your income and claim tax deductions. Whether or not you owe taxes, you might qualify for certain tax credits.

Certain types of income or deductions may require you to attach additional schedules. For instance, if you choose to itemize your deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, you’ll need to include Schedule A with your Form 1040.

As a freelancer in particular, you might need to attach other specific schedules to your Form 1040.

2. Schedule C to Form 1040, Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)

Speaking of schedules, one you’ll probably need to become familiar with as a self-employed taxpayer is Schedule C. If you are a sole proprietor, this is an essential form for you. Since sole proprietors take all business profits as personal income, you use Schedule C to report all income and expenses from your business to determine your profit or loss.

Schedule C consists of two sections:

• Income: Starting with income, record all payments you received from your clients. You might have different amounts of gross receipts or sales, gross profit, and gross income.
• Expenses: Schedule C organizes your expense amounts into numerous line items. For example, auto, advertising, depreciation, and supply expenses are all recorded in separate categories.

Although you don’t have to fill out a separate IRS tax form for business use of your car, it makes sense to understand what you can claim for Schedule C. You can only deduct all expenses for operating your car if you use it exclusively for your business. If you drive for both business and personal use, you must keep careful records of how many miles you drive for each. You can use the standard mileage rate or the actual expenses method to calculate your business mileage deduction.

3. Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation

After the end of the year, each of your clients should give you a Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, for the total they paid you that year if it exceeded the baseline amount that the IRS specifies ($600 in 2023).

Compare every Form 1099-NEC you receive to your records to make sure the amounts are consistent. Your clients file Form 1099-NEC with the IRS, so you don’t want there to be a notable discrepancy if the client claims they paid you more than they did.

4. Form 8829, Expenses for Business Use of Your Home

You might be able to claim certain expenses for business use of your home by taking the home office tax deduction. In order to do so, your home office must meet the following criteria:

• It must be your principal place of business or a place of business where you meet with patients, clients, or customers.
• This area of your home must be used exclusively for business purposes.

If you determine part of your home is regularly used as your principal place of business, you can calculate the actual expenses of your home office using Form 8829. Deductible expenses might include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, and repairs. You won’t be able to deduct the full cost of these expenses, but you can deduct the percentage of your home that is dedicated to your home office. For instance, if you use 15% of your home exclusively for business, you will be able to deduct 15% of your home expenses as part of this business deduction.

However, if crunching those exact percentages sounds like a hassle, a quicker way to calculate your expenses is to use the simplified method, where you simply deduct a flat rate per square foot. The qualification requirements are the same, but the process of figuring out the deduction and your recordkeeping obligations may be more straightforward.

Fortunately, TaxAct^® makes it easy by doing those calculations for you — all you have to do is answer a few interview questions.

5. Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax

In most cases, self-employed people who earned at least $400 in net self-employment income (in 2023) have to pay self-employment tax (SE tax). You can do this by filing Schedule SE with your Form 1040. The SE tax is 15.3% of your net income, and it covers your Social Security and Medicare taxes. Thankfully, you can claim 50% of self-employment taxes owed as a tax deduction. Schedule SE will help you figure out this deduction and direct you to enter it on your Form 1040.

The bottom line

Always check that you’ve got the correct versions of all IRS tax forms for the year and follow all directions carefully. The forms might change, so you don’t want to use a piece of outdated information.

Using a tax software program, like TaxAct, helps ensure you’re using the correct documents for the current tax year. Simply answer a few questions about your specific tax situation and our program generates the appropriate tax forms for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.

All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/18/5-self-employed-irs-tax-forms-for-2023/

Simple ways to stop your iPhone from eavesdropping

This post is provided by our partner MacPaw, a software development company that creates maintenance, security, and app distribution solutions for macOS and iOS. Learn more and get an exclusive Freelancers Union-member discount on MacPaw products here.

There are too many suspicions that our smartphones are secretly listening to us. The most skeptical among us will scoff “Duh!” but we don’t like to indulge in conspiracy theories. 

While there is technology on our iPhones that might record or process what we’re saying, our phones are not specifically designed to eavesdrop on us. But is it possible at all? Experts at Moonlock, a cybersecurity division of MacPaw, say, yes! They also have some practical advice on how to spot a spying app and stop it from listening to you on your iPhone.

Assistants are listening to you

First of all, almost all modern smartphones come with built-in virtual assistants. Depending on the model and operational system of the phone, these assistants can listen for an activation phrase that sort of wakes them up. “Hello, Siri” prompts the assistant on your iPhone, so it starts listening to your voice commands to execute them, be it sending a message or setting a reminder.

There are rumors that Siri sends Apple everything it hears users say, but it’s not entirely true. In 2019, after a privacy scandal around Siri, Apple stopped the evaluation of user voice recordings by humans. It means that all voice commands are executed by Siri locally on the device, and they are only processed after the trigger phrase “Hey, Siri.”

However, Moonlock experts say there’s something to keep in mind. When Siri is triggered, there’s still a possibility that it records and sends user audio to Apple servers. In order to act upon your voice command, Siri can send the audio to Apple for correct interpretation and then perform the action on your iPhone. 

If you feel that this makes you uncomfortable, you can always disable Siri in your iPhone settings. Here are 4 steps to do it:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Siri & Search
3. Tap Listen for
4. Choose Off

Can applications listen to us, too?

Yes, if you grant them permission to use the microphone. Instagram, Skype, TikTok, or other apps with the functionality to record videos or to call usually ask for such access. But they don’t actively listen to you, contrary to popular belief. 

The root of this belief is in multiple reports of users about social media apps misusing access to microphones for ad targeting. You know, when you never googled the thing but rather talked with friends about it, and now it’s plastered all over your Instagram feed. In 2019, Facebook denied these claims, stressing that their apps don’t use microphones unless you are performing an action that requires audio input. 

Still, you might feel the urge to disable the mic whatsoever to avoid any eavesdropping shenanigans. Unfortunately, there’s no button on iPhones for that. But you can go through the list of applications that use your microphone and disable this option for them at once.

1. Open Settings
2. Select Privacy & Security
3. Tap Microphone
4. Have a look through the list of apps
5. Toggle off any suspicious application that shouldn’t use the mic in your opinion

This is how you know someone’s actually listening

With myths busted and basic instructions given, Moonlock experts recommend to stay alert. In the world of malware and phone jailbreaking, there are multiple ways for cybercriminals to listen to your conversations without consent. Keep an eye out for the following red flags – they might help you detect a bug before any damage is done to your personal information.

First, the orange indicator. A new way that Apple warns iPhone users that their mic is being used. Look for it at the very top of your display. There also might be a similar green dot – it indicates that your camera is on at the moment. It’s okay to see both of them when you are actually using the microphone and the camera. But when you are not, and the dots are beaming – this is when you should start investigating.

Next, mobile data runs out faster than usual. When hackers record your conversations, they need to send audio files over the network. This is why a heavier-than-usual use of your mobile traffic and data might be a red flag to watch out for.

Finally, strange audio files appear. Before cybercriminals send the audio, the recording must be saved on your iPhone first. So, if you don’t remember recording anything but find a file with a random name, it is better to get to the bottom of this.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/17/simple-ways-to-stop-your-iphone-from-eavesdropping/

Back and Neck Pain

This post is provided by our partner, MetroPlusHealth. Find affordable health plans for New Yorkers of all ages from MetroPlusHealth.

What is back and neck pain?

Back pain can range from a mild, dull, annoying ache to persistent, severe, disabling pain. Pain in your back can limit your ability to move. It can interfere with normal functioning and quality of life. Always talk with your healthcare provider if you have persistent pain.

Neck pain occurs in the area of the cervical vertebrae in your neck. Because of its location and range of motion, your neck is often left unprotected and at risk for injury.

Pain in your back or neck area can come on suddenly and intensely. Chronic pain lasts for weeks, months, or even years. The pain can be constant or come and go.

What causes back and neck pain?

Even with today's technology, the exact cause of back and neck pain is hard to find. In most cases, back and neck pain may have many different causes. They include:

• Overuse, strenuous activity, or incorrect use, such as repetitive twisting or heavy lifting
• Trauma, injury, or fractures
• Breakdown of vertebrae, often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support your spine, or the effects of aging
• Infection
• Abnormal growth, such as a tumor or bone spur
• Obesity, which puts extra weight on your spine and pressure on your disks
• Poor muscle tone or muscle weakness in the back and belly (abdomen)
• Muscle tension or spasm
• Sprain or strain
• Ligament or muscle tears
• Joint problems, such as arthritis
• Smoking
• Slipped disk (protruding or herniated disk) and pinched nerve
• Osteoporosis and compression fractures
• Problems of your vertebrae and bones that you were born with (congenital)
• Abdominal problems, such as an aortic aneurysm

What are the symptoms of back and neck pain?

Symptoms linked to back pain may include:

• Dull, burning, or sharp pain in your back. The pain can be limited to a single spot or cover a large area.
• Leg numbness or tingling above or below your knee
• Stiffness or aching that occurs anywhere along your spine from your neck to your tailbone
• Sharp, shooting pain that spreads from your low back to your buttocks, down the back of your thigh, and into your calf and toes
• Consistent ache in the middle or lower part of your back, especially after standing or sitting for a long period

Loss of bladder and bowel control with weakness in both legs are symptoms of a serious condition that needs medical attention right away.

Symptoms linked to neck pain can be:

• Arm numbness or tingling
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Sharp shooting pain or a dull ache in your neck

Pain that occurs suddenly in your back or neck from an injury is acute pain. Acute pain comes on quickly and may leave sooner than chronic back or neck pain. This type of pain should not last more than 6 weeks.

Pain that may come on quickly or slowly and lingers for 3 months or more is chronic pain. Chronic pain is less common than acute pain.

How are back and neck pain diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. They may also do X-rays of the affected areas, as well as an MRI. This allows a more complete view. The MRI also makes pictures of soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. The MRI can help spot infection, tumor, inflammation, or pressure on your nerve. Sometimes a blood test may help diagnose arthritis, a condition that can cause back and neck pain.

How are back and neck pain treated?

In many cases, acute back or neck pain may simply improve with some rest. Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help with the discomfort. Try to move gently during this period, so that you won't become stiff and lose mobility.

If you have chronic pain of your back and neck, try several remedies before considering surgery. These include:

• Hot or cold packs as advised by your healthcare provider
• Certain exercises to strengthen back and belly muscles and ease pain, such as stretching and flexing. Your healthcare provider can show you these exercises. Physical therapy can also help you find the correct exercises.
• Aerobic exercise may help with your overall fitness and strength.
• Certain anti-inflammatory medicines or muscle relaxants may be used, as advised by your provider.
• Sometimes your provider may suggest a brace or corset for extra support.
• Shots (injections) for pain relief in the area
• Nerve block. This eases pain signals from the affected nerve.
• Acupuncture
• Osteopathic manipulation

How are back and neck pain managed?

Acute back pain usually gets better without special treatment. Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed will decrease pain and help you rest. Surgery and special exercises are generally not used with acute pain.

For severe, disabling, or chronic back and neck pain, rehabilitation programs can be designed to meet your needs. The type of program will depend on the cause and the type and severity of your pain, injury, or disease. Your active involvement is key to the success of rehab programs.

The goal of back and neck rehab is to help you manage disabling pain. It's also important to return you to your highest level of functioning and independence and improve your quality of life. The focus of rehab is on easing pain, improving movement. It also focuses on limiting any additional damage and increasing your functional ability.

To help reach these goals, back and neck rehab programs may include:

• Exercise programs to improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and mobility, and increase endurance
• Help with assistive devices that keep you independent
• Education and counseling
• Pain management methods
• Help to quit smoking
• Gait (walking) and movement retraining
• Stress management
• Nutritional counseling
• Ergonomic assessments and work-related injury prevention programs
• Job counseling

What are possible complications of neck and back pain?

Complications of back and neck pain may include: 

• Loss of productivity. Back pain is the most common reason for disability in working adults.
• Nerve damage. If your back pain is from a herniated disk, pressure on the spinal nerves may cause a variety of problems, such as weakness, numbness, or severe shooting pain that travels from the back to the leg.
• Depression. Back or neck pain can disrupt all aspects of life. This includes work, physical exercise, social activities, and sleep. The anxiety and stress caused by the change in movement and pain can lead to depression.
• Weight gain. Loss of movement and inability to exercise can lead to weight gain and the loss of muscle strength.

It is a good idea to see a healthcare provider if you have numbness or tingling, or if your pain is severe and does not get better with medicine and rest. If you have trouble urinating, weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs, fever, or unintentional weight loss, call your healthcare provider right away.

Can I prevent neck and back pain?

The following may help to prevent back and neck pain:

• Practice correct lifting methods. Don't lift heavy items. When you do lift something, bend your legs, keep your back straight, and then slowly lift your body and the object.
• Wear a seat belt in motor vehicles in case of a collision.
• Use telephones, computers, and other equipment correctly.
• Maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.
• Exercise regularly. Learn back-strengthening exercises to keep your back and belly muscles strong. Warm up with stretching exercises before doing exercises.
• Do exercises that improve your balance.
• Don't smoke.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Reduce emotional stress that may cause muscle tension.
• Get enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

See your healthcare provider if you have:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control with weakness in either leg. These symptoms need attention right away.
• Severe back or neck pain that does not decrease with medicine and rest
• Pain after an injury or a fall
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs or arms
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your healthcare provider
• Unintentional weight loss

Key points about back and neck pain

• Back and neck problems range from minor aches to severe, disabling pain.
• Often, the reason for your pain can't be found.
• See a healthcare provider if you have numbness or tingling, severe pain that does not improve with medicine and rest, trouble urinating, weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs, fever, unintentional weight loss, or pain after a fall.
• Often, back and neck pain will improve over time. See your healthcare provider if your pain is not decreasing.
• Use prevention strategies to keep yourself healthy and injury-free.
• For severe, disabling, or chronic back pain, consider an individualized rehabilitation program.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/16/back-and-neck-pain/

Important Tax Dates and Deadlines in 2024

This article is posted with permission from our partner TaxAct. File your freelance taxes with confidence using TaxAct’s easy-to-use tax software. Freelancers Union members get 25% off the cost of federal and state tax filing: https://freelancersunion.org/tax-center/

Get ready to mark these important dates on your calendar. Here are the most important tax deadlines and due dates for taxpayers to be aware of in 2024 (and answers to some common tax questions).

When are taxes due?

In 2024, Tax Day falls on April 15. This is the deadline for filing your taxes as a calendar year filer.

The April 15 deadline applies to traditional employees who receive a W-2, self-employed sole proprietors (including freelancers, independent contractors, or gig workers), retirees, multi-member LLCs, and corporate returns.

What is the deadline for filing taxes as a business?

There are two exceptions to the April 15 tax deadline — the due date for partnerships and S corporations to file their business return is March 15, 2024.

Why is Tax Day 2024 on April 15?

Typically, the tax due date is April 15 unless that day falls on a weekend or a holiday. In that case, Tax Day is usually pushed back to the next business day.

What time are taxes due on the 15th?

You must file your taxes by 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2024. This is the last day to file and pay without penalty unless you request a tax extension. Once the clock strikes midnight, you risk potential late fees and late filing penalties. If you need more time to file, you must request an extension (more on that below).

Do you have to have your taxes done by April 15?

If you can’t file your income tax return by April 15 this year, you can give yourself more time by requesting an automatic tax extension. You can do this when e-filing with TaxAct^® by filing IRS Form 4868 before the tax deadline (April 15, 2024). We’ll walk you through the process, help you claim relevant tax deductions and tax credits, and assist you in filing any state extension forms as well, if necessary.

Make sure you file for an extension before the tax deadline. If you don’t file for an extension before the Tax Day due date, you risk being charged late fees and penalties.

Once you’ve filed for an extension, you will have until Oct. 15, 2024, to complete and file your 2023 federal tax return. Like Tax Day, the extension deadline is typically Oct. 15, unless the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday.

One important note — filing an automatic tax extension only gives you more time to file. It will not give you more time to pay any taxes due. When you request an extension with Form 4868, you’ll be able to estimate and pay any taxes due for 2023. If you’re expecting a tax refund and don’t anticipate owing any taxes, you should be in the clear.

If you need more time to file your business tax return, you can also request a business tax extension. Partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and corporations can file an extension using Form 7004. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs will use Form 4868. You can request an extension using either of these tax forms when e-filing with TaxAct using our tax preparation software.

Since businesses have an earlier tax filing due date (March 15), the IRS also gives them an earlier extension due date. The tax deadline for filing an extended business tax return for 2023 is Sept. 16, 2024.

What is the tax deadline for the first quarter of 2024?

April 15 is also the due date for first quarter estimated tax payments. This due date applies to those with little or no income tax withheld from their wages, such as freelancers, small business owners, and investors.

The due dates for this year are as follows:

Due Date	Payment Period	Quarterly Payment
Jan. 16, 2024	Sept. 1 to Dec. 31	2023 Q4
April 15, 2024	Jan. 1 to March 31	2024 Q1
June 17, 2024	April 1 to May 31	2024 Q2
Sept. 16, 2024	June 1 to Aug. 31	2024 Q3
Jan. 15, 2025	Sept. 1 to Dec. 31	2024 Q4

What is the September 15 tax deadline?

Sept. 15 is the typical tax filing deadline for Q3 estimated tax payments. It is also the typical tax due date for partnerships and S-corporations that requested a business return extension. However, the deadline for both in 2024 is Sept. 16, as the 15th falls on a Sunday.

What are the tax deadlines for 2024?

Depending on your tax situation and what kind of filer you are, there are different tax dates to be aware of. Below are the important tax dates and deadlines for individual filers, including those who are retired, an employee, or self-employed.

Tip: Before filing, estimate your potential income taxes using our tax calculator.

• Jan. 16, 2024– Tax payment due for 2023 Q4 estimated tax payments for self-employed individuals or those with other income without tax withholding.
• Jan. 23, 2024– The expected launch of tax season 2023 — the IRS is expected to start accepting and processing income tax returns for 2023 on this day.
• Jan. 31, 2024– Employers must send W-2 forms no later than this date (you still might receive yours in early February). This is also the deadline to send certain 1099 forms, including 1099-NEC, which reports self-employment income from side hustles or freelance work. You might also receive a Form 1099-MISC if you received income from interest or dividends, rents, royalties, or prize winnings.
• Feb. 15, 2024– Deadline to reclaim your exemption from withholding. This applies if you choose to claim an exemption from your employer withholding taxes from your paycheck on your Form W-4. To continue to be exempt from withholding, you must give your employer a new Form W-4 by this date every year.
• April 1, 2024– Due date to take the required minimum distribution from your retirement account if you turned 73 during the 2023 calendar year.
• April 15, 2024– Tax Day deadline to file or e-file your federal income tax return (and most state tax returns, if applicable). There are some exceptions for certain states — Maine and Massachusetts state taxes are due April 17; Delaware and Iowa state taxes are due April 30; Hawaii state taxes are due April 20; Virginia state taxes are due May 1; and Louisiana state taxes are due May 15.
  • This is also the deadline to request an extension by filing Form 4868 and to pay any taxes due from tax year 2023 (even if you are requesting an extension).
  • You must also make HSA and IRA contributions for tax year 2023 by April 15, 2024.
  • April 15 is also when estimated tax payments are due for the first quarter of 2024.
• June 17, 2024– The due date for 2024 Q2 estimated tax payments.
• Sept. 16, 2024– The due date for 2024 Q3 estimated tax payments.
• Oct. 15, 2024– If you filed for an extension, this is the deadline to file your 2023 income tax return.
• Jan. 15, 2025– The due date for 2024 Q4 estimated tax payments.

When are business taxes due?

While many deadlines below are similar to individual due dates, small business owners have some unique tax due dates to keep in mind. The list below doesn’t cover every tax deadline, but we’ve included some of the most important ones to remember.

• Jan. 16, 2024– The due date for 2023 Q4 estimated tax payments.
• Jan. 31, 2024– Deadline for employers to send W-2 forms to their employees. This is also the deadline to send out certain 1099 forms such as 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, or 1099-K.
• March 15, 2024– Taxes are due for partnerships, S corporations, or multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships. This is the due date for calendar year business filers. If your business uses a fiscal year instead, your tax due date is the 15th day of the third month after the close of your tax year. For example, if your business’s fiscal year is June 1 – May 31, your business tax return due date would be Aug. 15 — three months and 15 days after May 31.
  • March 15 is also the deadline for the above-mentioned business types to request an extension and the deadline to file Form 2553 to switch your business election to an S corp for tax year 2024.
• April 15, 2024– Tax filing deadline for C Corporations (Form 1120), sole proprietors (Schedule C), single-member LLCs, and LLCs taxed as corporations. If your business uses a fiscal tax year, you must file your business tax return by the 15th day of the third month after the end of your tax year.
  • This is also the deadline for the above-mentioned types of businesses to file for a tax extension.
• June 17, 2024– The due date for 2024 Q2 estimated tax payments.
• Sept. 16, 2024– The due date for 2024 Q3 estimated tax payments. This is also the deadline for partnerships and S corps that filed a tax extension to submit their tax returns.
• Oct. 15, 2024– The tax deadline for C corporations that filed a tax extension.
• Jan. 15, 2025– The due date for 2024 Q4 estimated tax payments.

If you’d like a complete picture of all the 2024 tax calendar due dates, head to IRS Publication 509.

This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.

All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/10/important-tax-dates-and-deadlines-in-2024/