How to indicate standard deduction when filing self employed taxes with LLC?

You don't actually need to indicate anywhere that you're taking the standard deduction - it's automatically applied when you DON'T file Schedule A. Basically, the IRS assumes you're taking the standard deduction unless you tell them otherwise by filing Schedule A with your itemized deductions. For your self-employment situation, you'll still complete Schedule C to report your business income and expenses. This is separate from the personal deduction choice. Your Schedule C net profit gets transferred to Schedule 1 and then to your Form 1040. Then on your Form 1040, the standard deduction is automatically applied on line 12 if you don't attach Schedule A. Make sure you also complete Schedule SE to calculate your self-employment tax based on your Schedule C profit. That's a separate calculation from your income tax and personal deductions.

I struggled with this exact issue last year when I started my freelance business. I spent hours trying to figure it out until I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). It's this cool AI tax assistant that analyzes your tax situation and explains exactly what forms you need and where everything goes. I uploaded my 1099s and previous W-2, and it immediately explained that business expenses go on Schedule C while the standard deduction happens automatically on Form 1040 if I don't file Schedule A. It even generated a checklist of what I needed to file as a first-time self-employed person. Saved me from so much confusion!

Just wanted to update - I ended up trying taxr.ai despite my initial skepticism, and it was actually really helpful! I uploaded my documents and asked specifically about the standard deduction vs. business expenses confusion. It gave me a detailed explanation that finally made sense. The system showed me exactly where my self-employment income flows through my tax return and confirmed that business expenses on Schedule C are completely separate from the standard deduction decision. It even highlighted some business deductions I was missing! Definitely worth trying if you're confused about self-employment taxes.

If you're planning to call the IRS with follow-up questions (which I highly recommend for first-time self-employed filers), use Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I wasted entire days on hold trying to speak with someone at the IRS about my LLC tax questions last year. Claimyr basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and calls you when an actual human agent is on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - it's pretty clever. I had specific questions about home office deductions with my self-employment that weren't clear in the instructions, and finally got answers after using this service.

I have to admit I was wrong about Claimyr being sketchy. After my last failed attempt to reach the IRS (3 hours on hold before getting disconnected!), I tried it. They called me back about 2 hours later and suddenly I was talking to an actual IRS agent! I asked specifically about indicating standard deduction with self-employment income and the agent confirmed what others have said - you don't need to indicate it anywhere, it's applied automatically if you don't file Schedule A. They also helped clarify some questions I had about estimated tax payments for my business. Definitely saved me a ton of frustration.

Another thing no one mentioned yet - make sure you're tracking your business mileage if you drive for your LLC! That goes on Schedule C as a business expense and is separate from the standard deduction. I missed out on this my first year self-employed and probably overpaid by $1000+ in taxes.

Hey just a quick tip that helped me - I was also confused about where to take the standard deduction when filing for my small business. If you're using tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, etc., they'll apply the standard deduction automatically unless you specifically choose to itemize. The software will usually ask you something like "Do you want to itemize deductions?" and if you say no, it applies the standard deduction. Super easy! Don't overthink it like I did my first year.