Taxes For The Self Employed | How I Do Taxes As A Youtuber | Aja Dang

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  • Опубліковано 3 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 136

  • @AjaDang
    @AjaDang  4 роки тому +29

    ps. For those who received unemployment last year, unemployment is taxable on the federal level. Congress *could* make unemployment not taxable for this tax season but I haven't seen any talk of that so just be prepared.

  • @912009
    @912009 4 роки тому +74

    Really wish these real life things were taught in my school

  • @joanaeiesland
    @joanaeiesland 4 роки тому +80

    I am not a youtuber.
    I am not self-employed.
    I live in Norway.
    I still watched the video. 😅❤️

  • @TinaLeder
    @TinaLeder 4 роки тому +19

    I just started to do speadsheets like you for taxes, but you're a PRO!! Mine is a super basic level and still need to scramble for information, but here's to raising standards to Level Aja!!🙌🔥🔥

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      do whatever works best for you. Simple might be better if you're new to it. I'm all over the place.

  • @theneuroreport
    @theneuroreport 4 роки тому +11

    I was an independent contractor two years ago and got slapped in the face with taxes last year because I just didn’t understand.
    Thanks for making this for others to avoid the experience I had!

  • @alyssamaria7339
    @alyssamaria7339 4 роки тому +11

    I do my own taxes but I'm not self-employed. Last year I started doing grocery deliveries through the Shipt app so that'll be a major difference for my taxes this year since they don't take money out of our checks. But after watching several videos and research I saved 20% from each check for taxes. I think it's really empowering to understand your money and where it goes so this was a great video to watch! Really informative!

    • @SWEmyatoz
      @SWEmyatoz 4 роки тому +2

      You probably already know this, but all that driving is tax deductible and will make a big difference in how much you will end up owing. Hope there’s a good way that app is tracking miles you’ve driven for all the deliveries :)

    • @alyssamaria7339
      @alyssamaria7339 4 роки тому +1

      @@SWEmyatoz Yes! I tracked my mileage through the app Everlance. Unfortunately I made around $700 since I started later in the year. Tracking the mileage didn't really do much for me since it was so low. I plan to do much more Shipt this year since I actually enjoy it so I think it'll work in my favor more come next tax season.

    • @SWEmyatoz
      @SWEmyatoz 4 роки тому

      @@alyssamaria7339 great!! Since you’re using your phone you should be able to deduct your phone plan as well. Not much but always something :)

  • @nickfrosty
    @nickfrosty 2 роки тому +3

    Amazing video Aja! Just a quick note on the info you stated about being a sole proprietorship vs LLC:
    just because you don't personally have "funds available" (like cash in your bank account, an investment account, etc) or a house that does not mean you cannot be sued for what you have. Someone could still sue you as person/sole proprietorship and take more than what you have. It's not likely since "the juice may not be worth the squeeze", but it could still happen. So depending on the nature of a person's business, they may have more liability. People with more liability or a higher likelihood of being sued (like for example a CPA) will likely want to operate under an LLC.

  • @jackiek4159
    @jackiek4159 4 роки тому +5

    I absolutely loved this video! I'm not a business owner but hope to someday be one and taxes are always soo confusing to me! You've explained everything so simply! Thank you Aja! 😍✨🙏🏻

  • @melaniegriesemer
    @melaniegriesemer 4 роки тому +5

    I really wish more people talked about this because I’ve always wondered! Especially now as I’m entering into this world more and growing my UA-cam channel. So helpful!

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      it's... really confusing haha

  • @NoahFleming
    @NoahFleming 2 роки тому

    Thank you for the helpful video! Peace love light and healing🙌

  • @PlaninProgress
    @PlaninProgress 4 роки тому +10

    Such a great video - especially for those of us that aspire to have self employment income! It sounds like it could be really overwhelming if you aren’t totally organized along the way.

  • @aryanasmith4426
    @aryanasmith4426 Рік тому

    I don't usually comment on videos but I couldn't stop myself from doing so here. Awesome content and an impressive one. Thank you so much.

  • @livingunjaded
    @livingunjaded 4 роки тому +3

    This was so helpful!! I’ve wondered about this for a while but haven’t seen many videos talking about taxes...thanks for going into so much detail!

  • @moirak5332
    @moirak5332 4 роки тому +3

    2021 is my first year as a self-employed LLC, so this was super helpful! Single Member LLCs file just like Sole Proprietorships, so this was super helpful!

  • @LARYSSAMEIRA
    @LARYSSAMEIRA Рік тому

    The best video I’ve found so far about taxes! Great explanation! And the examples helped a ton!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

  • @SUNSNROSES
    @SUNSNROSES 4 роки тому +1

    such great ideas and im definitely gonna print out my statements. I recently got monetized on youtube so I am definitivamente taking aside 30% from my youtube income each time I get paid🤍 thank you Aja!!! love ya girl

  • @istanthings8504
    @istanthings8504 4 роки тому +7

    Thanks for this Aja! I also thought about getting an LLC, but I believe in Doug's words lol.

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      ya no. don't do it yet!

  • @gethsemaneherron7837
    @gethsemaneherron7837 4 роки тому +2

    This is right on time as I look for accountants/going through my expenses.

  • @CarloGonzalezTV
    @CarloGonzalezTV 3 роки тому

    I super appreciate the info you presented in this video. You shed light on a lot of things I often overlook. I hate taxes so fucking much, but you helped me feel a little more at ease about getting started with better managing them. Thank you 😭 I hope you’re well!

  • @EvelynNa
    @EvelynNa 4 роки тому +2

    thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this video. I have been freelancing for 2 years and i still feel like i'm winging it with taxes. 😖

  • @ahandywomanandherdog
    @ahandywomanandherdog 4 роки тому +2

    This video could not have come at a better time! I started a handywoman business at the end of 2019 and was fully working for myself all of 2020. I filed as a LLC because I used to work in litigation and fear what could happen if I got sued. I also filed to be an S-Corp because that’s what I kept hearing was the right thing to do and that s-corps do not pay federal taxes.
    I just found a tax service from Burbank and I’m going to be paying her $500 to file my S-Corp and $175 for my personal so I can make sure I get my taxes filed correctly.
    It’s steep, but hey, I’ll learn how to file them and be able to ask questions and maybe I’ll do my 2021 myself.

  • @ItsShayWhite
    @ItsShayWhite 4 роки тому +8

    Love how informative this video was! Do you mind expounding on the ethical issues with Ally?

  • @LivingGratefully
    @LivingGratefully 3 роки тому

    Doug sounds awesome! 😃 💰 thanks for doing this video I found it very helpful!!

  • @AmberAshleigh35
    @AmberAshleigh35 Рік тому

    This was extremely helpful! Thanks so much!

  • @brandonsanchezrojas
    @brandonsanchezrojas 4 роки тому +2

    the queen has arrived

  • @DoubleUp9999
    @DoubleUp9999 4 роки тому +6

    I trust her. She's 🔥

  • @DearDebt
    @DearDebt 4 роки тому +3

    Aja this is so helpful ❤️ thanks for sharing!

  • @Cab895
    @Cab895 4 роки тому +1

    GREAT advice to hire someone to do your taxes if you are an independent contractor! FYI just to clarify for others: you can only write part of your house/apartment and cell phone plan, not the entire thing

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      yes, sorry if I didn't make that clear.

  • @alegitsnack
    @alegitsnack 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this! I feel so seen. 🧡🧡

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      hope it helps!

  • @Made2Trip
    @Made2Trip 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much for this clear insight. Taxes can be so daunting especially as a business owner. New sub :)

  • @jenniferarcher3323
    @jenniferarcher3323 4 роки тому

    This is fantastic! Thank you for posting this!!!

  • @kaylakiddo
    @kaylakiddo 4 роки тому

    This is perfectly timed! I just formed my LLC this year

  • @califlorican
    @califlorican 4 роки тому +1

    For banks with free checking/savings, I use Capital One. I have one checking and 12 savings accounts with them, and have never had a problem so far!

  • @quyentruong2376
    @quyentruong2376 4 роки тому +2

    I swear you listen to me when I speak out loud my problems! I was just talking about how to do my taxes as a freelancer with my boyfriend and that I need help. Thank you so much!! This was incredibly helpful

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      perfect timing!

  • @jasminerossette
    @jasminerossette 4 роки тому

    Super helpful and really wish stuff like this was taught in school.

  • @JessicaChing0408
    @JessicaChing0408 4 роки тому +7

    TOWEL bryan at the end of the video loool

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +2

      he doesn't not give a SHIT

  • @nathaliacharles8251
    @nathaliacharles8251 3 роки тому

    Soo informative! Thank you so much for sharing!

  • @mollyxclaire
    @mollyxclaire 4 роки тому +1

    If you're watching this and you are in high school or have a kid in high school you can ask your econ teacher to include this stuff in the curriculum. Some will say no but I always loved teaching financial literacy and at the beginning of the year I would ask how many kids were interested.

    • @LivingGratefully
      @LivingGratefully 3 роки тому

      That is cool that you can ask teachers to add (off they like) to curriculum. I love that!

  • @blancaf7503
    @blancaf7503 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for this informative video😊

  • @MooreStationery
    @MooreStationery 4 роки тому +3

    My husband and I have an LLC because we do have assets and dont want any liability passed to us. The liability is instead passed to the business if for some reason it was sued.

  • @mrchase1
    @mrchase1 4 роки тому +3

    When can we order your planner? We love your debt free journey, and have learned a lot thank you.

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      You can order them now! We're having major delays with production though so hardcover planners won't be shipped out until February. We do have digital and printable versions available now but just know that before purchasing.

  • @HeyHeyitsSami
    @HeyHeyitsSami 4 роки тому +3

    Could you talk about how you included student loan interest payments in your taxes when you were still paying those off? Or have you already talked about that in a video? Thanks!

  • @allthehui
    @allthehui 4 роки тому

    This video is so so interesting and helpful! Ty for sharing 🥰

  • @jaylarcher7410
    @jaylarcher7410 4 роки тому +1

    I haven’t watched it yet, but I just want to say thank you in advance!

  • @Tottenhamie
    @Tottenhamie 4 роки тому

    First Entertainment is my bank. It’s a local credit union open to all here in LA. Plus they’re part of the co-op so you can grab cash at almost any ATM surcharge free. They don’t charge you to have an account and customer service is decent!

  • @michelledawnharpist
    @michelledawnharpist 4 роки тому +1

    I use ally, also! Can i ask specifically why you don’t like them? Also, for anyone reading, Mileage is typically a HUGE right off if you drive to locations for your independent work. Mile IQ app has saved me thousands of dollars, and saved me even more anxiety attacks ... thanks for your informative and motivating content!

  • @ZARZAOFGOD
    @ZARZAOFGOD 2 роки тому

    You are Awesome and Looking Great in The Video as Well. You Kinda Make me Laugh when you said. I can Be the President😁 yes you Can!! So Clear You Did it Explaining Everything.

  • @simplysamaya
    @simplysamaya 2 роки тому

    This video was very informative, thank you

  • @Gingi322
    @Gingi322 2 роки тому

    Regarding whether or not to form an llc, you should talk to an attorney not an accountant. Even if you don't have assets all business owners should protect themselves. Also a single member llc files the same exact tax return as a sole proprietor (a schedule C) and is taxed the same way as a sole prop. The only difference is that the llc limits your personal liability. Has absolutely nothing to do with taxes and it costs the same thing to file taxes as an llc as a sole prop. Now, if an llc elects to be taxed as an S-corp, that's a different tax return (K1) and that will cost more money to file.

  • @laurenfoster6668
    @laurenfoster6668 4 роки тому +2

    Hey! You mentioned you write alot off for taxes. Keep in mind that if you are planning to buy a house in the future, lenders will look at your income AFTER DEDUCTIONS. That could severely limit the amount of house you can afford through the lender's eyes. Just something to think about.

  • @melissalopez7218
    @melissalopez7218 4 роки тому +3

    Hi Aja! I found Marcus by Goldman Sachs lets you open multiple savings/checking accounts with no fees, definitely worth a look! Also I love watching your videos and have followed your journey for a couple years now. So proud of all the hard work you’ve put in, you’re truly an inspiration to me.

  • @yagalterry
    @yagalterry 4 роки тому +1

    I'm not even american but this was still very helpful!

  • @jnada101
    @jnada101 4 роки тому +1

    what's wrong with the ethics of ally bank?

  • @Abominable_man
    @Abominable_man Рік тому +2

    Who is this "Doug" and how do we all find someone like them?!

  • @laritza8284
    @laritza8284 4 роки тому

    You're a wizard Aja

  • @Alexis-gd4zy
    @Alexis-gd4zy 4 роки тому

    have you checked out SoFi money? They don't have unlimited accounts, but they have this " savings vault" feature where you can sort your money or sinking funds and pulls it from main checking account.

  • @dannielynnfountain
    @dannielynnfountain 4 роки тому +1

    Now that you've launched a product, are you reconsidering the way you look at liability / corporations? (I ask because I have two LLCs to protect two different parts of my business. I don't pay thousands of dollars to get my taxes done either, less than $500 😉)

    • @thisuniquechica
      @thisuniquechica 4 роки тому +2

      Online tax software also has software for that.

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      not at the moment. Don't think it's necessary since MSTRPLN is still very small.

  • @thesiliconvalleypianoteach9468
    @thesiliconvalleypianoteach9468 4 роки тому

    As a piano teacher, this is very applicable and helpful! Thank you!!!

  • @yummychococookies
    @yummychococookies 4 роки тому +1

    Can you expand on your thoughts on Ally? Why is it unethical?

    • @Porcelynnn
      @Porcelynnn 4 роки тому

      Omg I literally just started an account with them

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      they heavily donate to Republican politicians. I don't know where they stand after the riots tho.

  • @ninakricak6051
    @ninakricak6051 4 роки тому

    Do you make a side note of the date you made them red to prove they are over their date.... doe that make sense..? love your videos!

  • @kimchionbroadway4181
    @kimchionbroadway4181 4 роки тому

    What are your thoughts on using software like Quicken or Quickbooks vs. spreadsheets?

  • @electricfaze
    @electricfaze 3 роки тому

    I'm really curious, if you receive a PR package from a brand that is worth more than $100, do you owe taxes on that pr box?

  • @Friendlyutube
    @Friendlyutube 2 роки тому

    Hi, I like your video. I have a question. The income from youtube channel is Qualified Business Income?

  • @TempestXOXO
    @TempestXOXO 4 роки тому

    Omg thank you for this 😁

  • @nineinhand
    @nineinhand 4 роки тому

    Hi Aja - love your videos! How do you find your tax advisor? I live in California (move btwn the bay area and LA), but most of the people I know files tax through a family member. I'm also looking for someone that specializes in self-employment/independent contractor

  • @cescabea3
    @cescabea3 4 роки тому

    Capital360 allows multiple savings accounts, i believe it's HYS but maybe not as high as Ally

  • @katerinaschenke819
    @katerinaschenke819 4 роки тому

    Thank you for this!! I am also self employed and had to learn how to navigate this. How do you plan how much to save for retirement?

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      I want to make out my ROTH, which is $6000 so I put $1000 a month away until $6000 and then anything extra I can put aside will go to my SEP

    • @katerinaschenke819
      @katerinaschenke819 4 роки тому

      @@AjaDang Is this a backdoor ROTH? I am planning on doing more after tax contributions because with a administration our taxes might be going up. I'd rather count contributions as a tax deduction.

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      @@katerinaschenke819 yes it's a backdoor roth

  • @hnguyen218
    @hnguyen218 4 роки тому +3

    $300 to file a return for an independent contractor with a bunch of 1099s and expenses??!! That’s dirt cheap!! Even H&R $500. .. FYI people don’t form S-corps to pay more to an accountant... it’s TO SAVE ON SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAXES!!!! *poor Doug could’ve saved u thousands upon thousands of tax dollars... RIP Doug 🙏

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      you may save on self employment tax but filing as a S corps may cost you more than it saves. In some states, like in Cali where I live, you pay additional fees and taxes. Don't come for Doug...

    • @hnguyen218
      @hnguyen218 4 роки тому

      @@AjaDang I guess if ur SE tax is under $3K then maybe yes. But if u are paying $10K+ to Uncle Sam, filing an s-corp and paying the necessary one time fees to form will save u $ tremendously. I would get a secondary opinion if I were u.

  • @aarian869
    @aarian869 3 роки тому

    So when trying to get an EIN as a content creator, what type of business would content creation fall under?

  • @sarahandrew2011
    @sarahandrew2011 4 роки тому

    Hi Aja, Do you pay quarterly taxes? The IRS penalize me for not paying my taxes on a quarterly basis. Why would that be I have always been on top of my taxes.

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      I pay everything yearly and get penalized for it. But for me, it makes me really uncomfortable giving the government money when I don't know the whole story of what my year is going to be. It's a small financial sacrifice I'm willing to make but yes, the government will penalize you for *not* paying quarterly.

    • @quynhn
      @quynhn 4 роки тому

      @@AjaDangAre penalties severe if you repeatedly don't pay quarterly year after year? I have been paying quarterly but like you, I aimlessly toss money at the IRS without knowing my big picture simply because I don't want to get penalized. I just don't want to seem like im evading taxes when Im not you know?

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      @@quynhn totally. I haven't had an issue with it and I've never in my life paid quarterly.

    • @RUTH3948
      @RUTH3948 4 роки тому +2

      You should pay quarterly. The more you make, the bigger the penalty it will be. To avoid a penalty, pay aleast pay 90% of you prior year tax. So grab the number on your 1040 ‘total tax due’. Multiply that by 90%. Divide by each quarter. If you overpay, simply get a refund when you file or roll it to next year’s return.

  • @OliveBlueLex
    @OliveBlueLex 4 роки тому

    Is it honestly that much more to file your taxes as an LLC?? I've never heard that before and I just bought my LLC the other day and now im FREAKING OUT :(((((

  • @SamElle
    @SamElle 4 роки тому +6

    lol i dont even know how taxes work as a student let alone when I enter the real world....

    • @benny88cups
      @benny88cups 4 роки тому

      Yet, we were expected to figure it all out. School expected parents to explain taxes. Not all parents have a firm understanding of adulting tasks

    • @SamElle
      @SamElle 4 роки тому +1

      @@benny88cups yea my parents definitely dont. A majority of my learning has been through googling

  • @Joojoobeans
    @Joojoobeans 3 роки тому

    For UA-camrs that vlog or review food can food also be a tax write-off? Interesting topic

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  3 роки тому +1

      Yes. The food bought for videos

    • @Joojoobeans
      @Joojoobeans 3 роки тому

      @@AjaDang Thank you for your reply! :)

  • @curlyMichelle
    @curlyMichelle 4 роки тому

    I use FNBO Direct for my all savings accounts. I'm able to open up multiple savings accounts with no fees, and it's really quick and easy. I know they offer checking accounts too, so they might also allow multiple checking accounts.

  • @MultiBlonde101
    @MultiBlonde101 4 роки тому

    i have usaa and you can open unlimited !

  • @GrowwithPilar
    @GrowwithPilar 4 роки тому

    Nails 😍😍

  • @yingxyang95
    @yingxyang95 4 роки тому +1

    can you share Doug's contact info??? first year of being an independent contractor and would love to have him do my taxes 😬

    • @candicehazelv
      @candicehazelv 3 роки тому

      @ajadang I second this! My husband is a freelancer and we have gone through a couple different tax people that we are not happy with. Help!

  • @Porcelynnn
    @Porcelynnn 4 роки тому

    Dang, would it better if the sponsored checks were automatically taxed?

    • @Porcelynnn
      @Porcelynnn 4 роки тому

      Maybe not lol

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому

      it would be better if brands would pay my agency fee on top of my fee. So instead of me taking out $200 on a $1000 deal myself, the company would pay $200 on top of my $1000 so I can keep the whole $1000. I believe that's how it works with commerical work.

  • @samanthabaker2097
    @samanthabaker2097 4 роки тому

    Can you write off your car? Lol I use it to get to and from my salon everyday. Thanks for this vid 😊

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      i believe you can write off car payments and definitely miles so keep track of mileage.

    • @RUTH3948
      @RUTH3948 4 роки тому +5

      You cannot deduct commute miles. So not from your house to the salon. If you were traveling from your salon to a client, then yes.

  • @sy-bx1fj
    @sy-bx1fj 2 роки тому

    Hello its all same for forms of taxes ? Because im searching about youtube adsense. That you have to choose if your individual or businesses account.
    If i choose individual accounts it is same how you apply or it's only for youtube business accounts? I hope you make vlogs about differences of choosing individual or business accounts of youtube channel im so curious about that and how the process of taxes specially im living in usa now .
    Im just asking because im starting my youtube channel. But i still not haven't reach the requirements the monetizization . i still need to reach my watch hour and the subscribers. Im still working on it (by the this is not the UA-cam channel im saying ) my real youtube channel is " Filipino taste" my content im doing is about homemade foods.
    If choosing individual account can i use may bank account to connect ? And if choosing business account, do i have to open bank account thats same name on my UA-cam channel? Im struggling about if i get monetized and sign up for Google adsense what will i have to choose individual or business. I dont have idea about filling taxes because im new here in use
    I hope you can noticed my question so i can have idea what will i do if i start to fill my google adsense account and do taxes too . thank you and have nice day .

  • @cescabea3
    @cescabea3 4 роки тому +1

    You could sell your templates for extra revenue

  • @quynhn
    @quynhn 4 роки тому +2

    thank you for this video!! also, i’m not sure if this has been addressed in another video but could you share how you go about lowering your debt and saving for an emergency fund/investing. do you do them simultaneously or do you prioritize debt first?

    • @cindygutierrez2382
      @cindygutierrez2382 4 роки тому +1

      I think she already addressed this stuff in another video. I remember she mentioned that she followed the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps. Dave Ramsey recommends to save $1,000 for an emergency fund and then focus on paying down debt. She did not feel comfortable with only $1,000 so I believe she saved $3,000 for an emergency fund and then focused on paying down debt. She started her finance journey back in 2017 so I’m sure you can find that your questions were answered in previous videos!

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      debt first.

    • @quynhn
      @quynhn 4 роки тому

      @@cindygutierrez2382 thanks Cindy! appreciate it :)

  • @uncafecitocontania2484
    @uncafecitocontania2484 4 роки тому

    I have and LLC and make similar to what make. I could share my experience with you if you would like. It’s to complicate for me to explain it in a comment. By the way I miss you videos when you use budget with you revenue 😊

  • @stephenkurucz
    @stephenkurucz 4 роки тому

    Those management fees kill into your bottom line!

  • @Silverlikenights
    @Silverlikenights 4 роки тому

    "its a write off" David Rose :P wonder how taxes will differ for those of us new to WFH..

    • @SWEmyatoz
      @SWEmyatoz 4 роки тому +1

      If you’re WFH for an employer you won’t be able to write off your home office as a tax deductible. You can only do that if you’re self employed.

    • @Silverlikenights
      @Silverlikenights 3 роки тому +1

      @@SWEmyatoz That's good to know, thank you!

  • @2brokenthumbs
    @2brokenthumbs 4 роки тому

    Lol... Taxes are the worst part of the year for me.

    • @AjaDang
      @AjaDang  4 роки тому +1

      it's like... no wonder mutli billion dollar companies don't pay taxes lol *cries*

  • @99Psyc
    @99Psyc 4 роки тому +1

    lol must be nice being an influencer, literally everything can be a tax write-off

  • @discoveringme941
    @discoveringme941 4 роки тому

    Oh you're American bye