How do I track deductible expenses throughout the year?

Don't wait until tax season — capture deductions as they happen so you don't miss them or scramble to reconstruct a year of spending. The simplest system is to run all business purchases through a dedicated business card and account, then let bookkeeping software categorize them by Schedule C lines like supplies, software, advertising, travel, and home-office costs. Snap and store receipts digitally as you go, since the IRS expects documentation for what you claim. Log business mileage in real time with an app rather than guessing later. Common deductions freelancers overlook include the home-office deduction, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and the employer-equivalent half of self-employment tax. Review your categorized expenses monthly to catch miscategorizations early. Keeping records current all year turns tax prep from a frantic dig into a quick export. When unsure whether something qualifies, note it and ask your tax preparer.