Inspiration and advice on leveling up your Business-of-One.
Featured Blog
The Sole Proprietor’s Mid-Year Check-In: Is Your Setup Still Working for You?
Most people who start working for themselves don’t sit down and choose a business structure. They start taking clients, get paid, and keep going…
Marissa Achanzar · Jun 11, 2026 · 6 min read
Featured Money Management
Payroll Solutions for Solopreneurs: A Comparison Guide
When you make an S Corp election, running payroll becomes part of your required compliance. It’s one of the more significant operational shifts that…
Marissa Achanzar · Apr 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Featured Blog
Collective Welcomes Open Ledger
Today, we’re excited to share that Collective has acquired Open Ledger. When we started Collective, we were driven by a simple purpose. Self-employed people…
Hooman Radfar · Apr 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Featured Blog
Faces of Collective: Urina Harrell on Building With Intention
Urina Harrell was still a teenager when she began laying the foundation for what would eventually become Vox Pop Branding. At 19, while studying…
Marissa Achanzar · Feb 9, 2026 · 6 min read
Featured Blog
Introducing Collective Accounting: The first AI-powered accounting suite for solopreneurs
Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of Collective Accounting, the first AI-powered, integrated accounting suite, designed for Businesses-of-One. With Collective Accounting, members can…
Hooman Radfar · Mar 14, 2024 · 4 min read
Featured Blog
Collective Predicts Videography Will be 2024’s Most Lucrative Category of Business-of-One
Collective today named Videography the standout category of Business-of-One for 2024, citing its superior profitability and growth trends and the independent nature of work…
Collective Editorial Team · Jan 16, 2024 · 2 min read
Featured Blog
Tax Requirements When Hiring a Foreign Contractor
Solopreneurs and small business owners often turn to outside help when they don’t have enough time to accomplish a task or need someone with…
T.J. Porter · Jan 16, 2024 · 5 min read
Featured Blog
Beating the Odds: U.S. Solopreneurs Find Success Amid Economic Challenges
We’re delighted to announce the release of the second edition of the Collective B1 Economic Report, which offers a window into the financial performance…
Collective Editorial Team · Nov 8, 2023 · 3 min read
Featured Blog
Dennis Belogorsky – Independent Video Producer and Brand Storyteller
Revealing the Story Whether on-set or traveling the globe, Dennis Belogorsky is building his own story one film at a time. “Working for yourself…
Leslie Donnenwirth · Oct 5, 2023 · 5 min read
Featured Blog
LLC vs. PLLC: Which is Best for Your Business
Many business owners are familiar with limited liability companies (LLCs), but fewer know about professional limited liability companies (PLLCs). Both LLCs and PLLCs offer…
Eric Rosenberg · Sep 21, 2023 · 6 min read
Featured Blog
Jordan Robinson WNBA Writer and On-Camera Host
Calling Her Own Shots To some, the move to freelance feels natural. Not to Jordan Ligons Robinson. “I am a capital-P Planner,” she says.…
Leslie Donnenwirth · Sep 19, 2023 · 3 min read
Featured Blog
Dropshipping Tax Basics: A Beginner’s Guide
When you sell online and use a third party for fulfillment, understanding your dropshipping tax requirements is essential. While they may seem confusing initially,…
Eric Rosenberg · Sep 14, 2023 · 5 min read
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Tax Tips
All Tax Tips posts
7 Best Mileage Tracking Apps for Solopreneurs in 2026
Every client meeting, supply run, and job site visit adds miles to your odometer.…
Aug 19, 2026 · 10 min read
High-Impact Ways to Reinvest Your Tax Refund Into Your Business
A tax refund feels like found money. It isn’t. It means you overpaid throughout…
Apr 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Is an S Corp Worth It at $150K in Business Profit?
If you’re a full-time solopreneur making $150,000 in annual profit, you’re in the range…
Apr 28, 2026 · 4 min read
You Missed the Tax Deadline and Didn’t File an Extension. Here’s What to Do.
April 15th came and went. You didn’t file a return, and you didn’t file…
Apr 17, 2026 · 4 min read
S Corp Disadvantages (and Advantages) Every Solopreneur Should Understand
The S Corp election has a reputation for significant tax savings, and in the…
Apr 9, 2026 · 6 min read
S Corp Back-Office Options: DIY, Traditional Firm or Integrated Platform
Electing S Corp status is one of the most impactful financial decisions a solopreneur…
Apr 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Is an S Corp Worth It at $150K in Business Profit?
If you’re a full-time solopreneur making $150,000 in annual profit, you’re in the range…
Apr 8, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Run Payroll When You’re an S Corp Owner-Employee and Hiring Contractors
Running a business-of-one often involves wearing many hats, but once you elect S Corp…
Feb 12, 2026 · 5 min read
January 2026: Key Deadlines for Your Self-Employed Business
It’s January 2026 and while the new year often feels like a fresh start,…
Jan 9, 2026 · 3 min readIRS Matching Issues: What They Are and How to Avoid Them
When you’re self-employed and managing your business’s taxes, one of the most frustrating complications…
Dec 4, 2025 · 5 min read
What Solopreneurs Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into…
Jul 16, 2025 · 4 min read
How OnlyFans Creators Handle Self-Employment Taxes
TL;DR: If you’re making money on OnlyFans, you are self-employed—and that means taxes are…
Jun 12, 2025 · 6 min read
Content Creator Tax Deductions You Might Be Missing
If you’re a content creator, there’s a good chance you’re paying more in taxes…
May 29, 2025 · 5 min read
Understanding the Differences Between Form 1120-S and Form 1040
What you need to know As tax season approaches, we want to make sure…
Dec 10, 2024 · 2 min read
How Can a Tax Advisor Benefit My Business
You started your business, and when it comes to taxes, you have no idea…
May 29, 2024 · 9 min read
1099-K for LLC and S Corp Owners
As a small business owner, you’re responsible for reporting your business activity to the…
Mar 25, 2024 · 5 min read
What is Form W-8BEN
If you are a non-resident alien working outside the United States and receiving U.S.…
Feb 27, 2024 · 7 min read
How to Prepare for Filing Your Individual Tax Return
After the ball drops in Times Square, you blink and it’s suddenly tax season.…
Feb 12, 2024 · 9 min read
Tax Requirements When Hiring a Foreign Contractor
Solopreneurs and small business owners often turn to outside help when they don’t have…
Jan 16, 2024 · 5 min read
Making Charitable Contributions Work for Your Business
If you are a small business owner and feel tied to your community, you…
Dec 19, 2023 · 5 min readBookkeeping
All Bookkeeping posts
Bookkeeping Software for Solopreneurs: A Comparison Guide
Most solopreneurs don’t need more tools. They need the right tool: one that fits…
Apr 8, 2026 · 7 min read
Getting Paid in Digital Currency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and More
In the digital world, customers and clients may want to pay you with digital…
Jan 29, 2024 · 8 min read
Bookkeeping Guide for Real Estate Agents
As you embark on your journey as a real estate agent, don’t forget about…
Dec 5, 2023 · 10 min read
What is Bookkeeping?
TL/DR Version Bookkeeping is the systematic recording, organizing, and tracking of a business’s financial…
Aug 22, 2023 · 9 min read
Why Bookkeeping Is Important: The Basics
You may be wondering what bookkeeping is – and how it can help your…
Dec 15, 2021 · 5 min read
How To Use Financial Reports To Run and Scale Your Business
Every month, companies large and small work to compile monthly financial reports – basically…
Dec 1, 2021 · 7 min read
How to Choose an Online Bookkeeping Service as a Business-of-One
Running your Business-of-One comes with tons of benefits – and freedom in the way…
Dec 1, 2021 · 12 min read
How to write off your S Corp mileage using QuickBooks online
So you’ve been traveling to meet clients and running errands for your S Corp. …
Jul 23, 2020 · 5 min read
The Best Payroll Provider for Freelancers
Let’s be real: payroll is one of those things in your business that you’ve…
May 22, 2019 · 8 min read
What Every Freelancer Should Know About Bookkeeping
Let’s talk about bookkeeping, shall we? No, you don’t want to? You’d rather watch…
Apr 30, 2019 · 7 min readSetup Your Business
Collective makes setting up and running your freelancing business simple and affordable while saving you some serious money on taxes. See how much you could save with Collective.
Estimate Your Tax SavingsBusiness Setup
All Business Setup posts
What Is the Best Business Structure for Real Estate Agents in 2026?
You closed a big sale, the commission check hit your account, and then tax…
Sep 2, 2026 · 10 min read
The Real Cost of an S Corp (And When the Savings Are Worth It)
The S Corp election gets pitched as a tax-savings move. What doesn’t get pitched:…
Aug 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Your LLC Turns One. Here’s What to Do Next.
One year in means something. You have real income, real expenses, and at least…
May 20, 2026 · 6 min read
You Just Formed Your LLC. Now What?
Forming an LLC is a real milestone. You’ve got a legal business structure, liability…
May 19, 2026 · 6 min read
Switching to an S Corp Mid-Year: What to Know Before You Do It
The S Corp election is one of the more impactful decisions a solopreneur can…
May 13, 2026 · 8 min read
LLC vs. S Corp for Creators: Your Questions Answered
If you’ve spent any time in creator communities, you’ve probably seen the conversation loop:…
May 6, 2026 · 6 min read
The Best Structure for Solo Consultant Taxes
Running a consulting practice means wearing every hat. Account executive, project manager, delivery lead,…
May 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Formation Solutions for Solopreneurs: A Comparison Guide
For a solopreneur, forming an LLC is one of the most consequential early decisions…
Apr 30, 2026 · 5 min read
Why Athletes Need an LLC: Building a Foundation for Your Career
For a student-athlete or a rising star navigating the world of Name, Image, and…
Mar 11, 2026 · 4 min read
NIL Income Is a Business: Why Athletes Are Switching to an S Corp.
The first time a brand deal hits your account, it’s a flex. You’re still…
Feb 27, 2026 · 3 min readHow to Look Up Your Business Entity and Check Your Good Standing
Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, maintaining…
Feb 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Forming an S Corp vs. Accepting a W-2 Role: Pros and Cons
If you’re exploring a new role, you may be asked to choose between traditional…
Jul 22, 2024 · 8 min read
What is an S Corp and is it right for your business
You may have heard the term S Corporation (or S Corp for short) floating…
May 1, 2024 · 8 min read
What is a Retroactive S Corporation Election?
If you’ve read about S Corps and wish you had turned your business into…
Apr 2, 2024 · 6 min read
Forming an LLC or S Corp at Year-End: Are the Tax Benefits Still Worth It?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting a new business, or ready to take the next…
Dec 11, 2023 · 6 min read
How to Start an S Corp: What You Need to Know
Starting an S Corp may sound intimidating, but anyone can do it with a…
Oct 30, 2023 · 9 min read
Who Can Own an S Corp?
S Corps offer a bevy of tax benefits to small business owners. In particular,…
Oct 19, 2023 · 7 min read
LLC vs. PLLC: Which is Best for Your Business
Many business owners are familiar with limited liability companies (LLCs), but fewer know about…
Sep 21, 2023 · 6 min read
LLC vs Professional Corp: What’s the Difference?
If you’re starting a business, you’ll want to establish a business structure based on…
Sep 11, 2023 · 7 min read
DBAs 101: Doing Business As What?
Many critical decisions go into starting a new business. What kind of work will…
Sep 7, 2023 · 5 min readMoney Management
All Money Management posts
S Corp Financial Management: A Plain-Language Guide for Solopreneurs
You set out to do your craft, not to run payroll and chase tax…
Aug 25, 2026 · 7 min read
Best Business Bank Accounts for Solopreneurs in 2026
Your business income and your grocery budget don’t belong in the same account. The…
Aug 19, 2026 · 11 min read
Payroll Solutions for Solopreneurs: A Comparison Guide
When you make an S Corp election, running payroll becomes part of your required…
Apr 30, 2026 · 4 min read
How S Corp Owners Navigate Mortgage Approval
One of the most persistent anxieties in self-employment is the mortgage question. Will lenders…
Apr 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Retirement Plans for S Corp Owners
Intro to Retirement Plans The perks of owning your own business are bountiful but…
Dec 10, 2024 · 2 min read
What is Payroll?
TL/DR Version Payroll is the process of managing wages, salaries, and taxes for your…
Aug 18, 2023 · 12 min read
4 Retirement Savings Options For The Self-Employed
Retirement accounts are important for anyone who wants to retire someday. When you work…
Sep 14, 2021 · 6 min read
5 Personal Finance Best Practices for Six-Figure Business Owners
You must be doing something right since your business is scaling to the multi-six…
Aug 13, 2021 · 6 min read
How to Account for Health Insurance, Vacation Time and Other Benefits in your Hourly Rate
The topic of insurance and “benefits” as a full-time freelancer is one that both…
Jun 3, 2021 · 5 min read
How to Save When You’re Self-Employed and have Inconsistent Income
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is believed to be the first to introduce the…
Apr 27, 2021 · 7 min read
How to pay yourself when you’re self-employed
Payday — these words can sound like music to your ears. After all, you’ve…
Apr 1, 2021 · 6 min read
How to Run Payroll for an S Corp
You don’t need to be a business with a bunch of employees to run…
Mar 11, 2021 · 4 min read
How to Use your Personal Financial Identity to Grow your Business
On your self-employed journey, there may be issues and roadblocks that affect the speed…
Feb 2, 2021 · 4 min read
9 Reflection Questions to Help Your Business Level Up Next Year
As a busy business owner, you’re probably concerned about looking towards the future. After…
Dec 8, 2020 · 7 min read
How the 80/20 Rule Helped me 3x my Revenue in Less than a Year
If you don’t have a finance or accounting background, it may not always be…
Oct 26, 2020 · 5 min read
How to Create an Authentic Budget for Your Business
When it comes to creating a budget for your business, there’s more than one…
Sep 7, 2020 · 7 min read
Create a Better Business Using Values-Based Spending
Whether you’re just starting out or have been freelancing for years, the question of…
Aug 31, 2020 · 7 min read
Level Up Your Freelance Finances with These Expert Tips
When you first started your business, you probably put some effort into your finances.…
May 15, 2019 · 5 min read
How to Pay Yourself When You’re a Freelancer
Whether you’re first starting out as a freelancer or you’re a self-employed freelancer who’s…
Jan 29, 2019 · 9 min read
What Is an S Corp “Reasonable Salary”? How to Pay Yourself the Right Way
Updated on 8/5/2026 A Business-of-One often elects to be treated as an S Corp…
Jan 24, 2019 · 14 min readSmall Business Hacks
All Small Business Hacks posts
Unlocking the Zone of Genius: What the Right Support Actually Looks Like for Solopreneurs
Running a business alone means wearing every hat, all the time. The invoicing hat,…
Aug 10, 2026 · 4 min read
The S Corp Owner’s Mid-Year Check-In: Is Your Structure Doing What It Should?
If you’re running your business under an S Corp election, mid-year is a worthwhile…
Jun 11, 2026 · 5 min read
The Sole Proprietor’s Mid-Year Check-In: Is Your Setup Still Working for You?
Most people who start working for themselves don’t sit down and choose a business…
Jun 11, 2026 · 6 min read
Self-Employed Retirement Plan Limits Just Changed for 2026: Here’s What’s New
The IRS adjusts retirement plan contribution limits most years, and 2026 brings increases across…
Jun 10, 2026 · 7 min read
Self-Employed Retirement Plans: 2025 Contribution Limits and Your Best Options
When you work for yourself, no one is automatically setting aside money for your…
Jun 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Your LLC Turns One. Here’s What to Do Next.
One year in means something. You have real income, real expenses, and at least…
May 20, 2026 · 6 min read
Business Expenses for Social Media Influencers
We LOVE our members that are crushing it as social media influencers. One common…
Dec 10, 2024 · 5 min read
Meal and Entertainment Deductions
Business meals are a common expense, but what is tax deductible can be tricky…
Dec 10, 2024 · 3 min read
Differences Between Employee and Independent Contractor
If you’re a business owner, you’ll likely come to a point where you need…
Mar 20, 2024 · 6 min read
Should I Hire a 1099 Contractor or W-2 Employee?
As your business expands, you might need more help than your current capacity allows.…
Mar 13, 2024 · 6 min read
How to Build Business Credit
Most people are familiar with the concept of credit scores. Major credit bureaus track…
Mar 4, 2024 · 5 min read
How To Handle Business Inventory
If your business carries inventory, effective inventory management is critical. Whether you’re running a…
Feb 20, 2024 · 7 min read
How to Take Parental Leave When You’re Self-Employed
Welcoming a new baby can be both exciting and stressful. On top of caring…
Nov 6, 2023 · 5 min read
The 6 Lead Generation Mistakes to Avoid In Your Solo Consulting Business
This blog is written by guest author Melisa Liberman. Melisa has been an independent…
Oct 4, 2022 · 10 min read
How To Establish An Effective Lead Generation Routine As An Independent Consultant – A Case Study
It’s common for independent consultants to miss an important step when designing their lead…
Jun 8, 2022 · 9 min read
Tips for Creatives to Overcome Isolation and Loneliness
Being a Business-of-One has plenty of perks (hello having full control over when you…
Dec 8, 2021 · 4 min read
How to Turn a Referral Program Into a Main Source of Income
When I discovered Collective almost three years ago, I had little idea of what…
Nov 10, 2021 · 5 min read
How to improve your payments workflow
As a creator, doing the work is often the easy part. Getting paid? Well,…
Sep 29, 2021 · 4 min read
Want a sustainable business? Try diversifying your income
I’m sure you’ve heard that the average millionaire has 7 streams of income. I…
Sep 9, 2021 · 5 min read
7 Tips for Successfully Hiring Your First Freelancer
Learning how to find and hire the right help to scale my business has…
Aug 27, 2021 · 9 min readCommunity Spotlight
All Community Spotlight posts
Luke Stone on Building a Studio Where the Work Comes First
There’s a moment in every creative’s career when the business catches up to the…
May 27, 2026 · 4 min read
How Solopreneurs Can Build a Network That Actually Gets It
The best professional network for a solopreneur isn’t always built around what you do.…
May 14, 2026 · 4 min read
Faces of Collective: Brian Liu and the Art of the Dream Weekend
For many designers, going independent is about reclaiming two things: their time and their…
Apr 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Faces of Collective: How Itzel Reclaimed Her Creative Flow Through a Modern Back Office
For many creative entrepreneurs, the craft is the easy part. The real challenge often…
Mar 24, 2026 · 3 min read
Faces of Collective: Urina Harrell on Building With Intention
Urina Harrell was still a teenager when she began laying the foundation for what…
Feb 9, 2026 · 6 min readAshlee Rowland – Holistic Nutritionist
From Accidental Beginnings to Intentional Healing When Ashlee Rowland started sharing recipes on Instagram…
Oct 14, 2025 · 4 min read
Aaron Ngor – A Fitness Consultant
From Backup Dancer Dreams to Elite Athletics: How One Injury Changed Everything Meet Aaron…
Sep 4, 2025 · 5 min read
Milan Clarke – Social Media & Photography Agency
Making brands pop Milan Clarke is a marketer, photographer, California native, and moment-maker for…
Feb 28, 2025 · 14 min read
Cameron Gurr – Pro Resume Writer
Cameron Gurr (he/him) is an innovator, former Disney cast member, and pro resume writer. …
Dec 2, 2024 · 11 min read
Jason Polevoi – Documentary Filmmaker, Producer, and Taco Lover
Directing Real Life Jason Polevoi is a documentary filmmaker, director and producer who believes…
Oct 2, 2024 · 8 min read
Bethany Joy Clark – Community Builder & Fertility Coach
Building hope in community Bethany Joy Clark is following her dreams and building community…
Sep 18, 2024 · 7 min read
Howie Chan – Brand Builder & Strategist
Reinventing the journey Howie Chan is a marketer who left the science lab to…
Sep 4, 2024 · 6 min read
Lisa Devenny – Freelance Brand Builder & Graphic Designer
Designing Home Base Lisa Devenny is designing her own future and building community in…
May 23, 2024 · 5 min read
Adele Park – A Freelance Package Designer
Adèle Park is a packaging designer, problem solver, Muay Thai boxer and devoted joy…
Apr 24, 2024 · 12 min read
Anita Barcsa – Freelance Portrait Photographer
Focusing on connection Anita Barcsa is an artist and photographer fascinated by personal growth,…
Apr 9, 2024 · 7 min read
Alice Yang – Making Art Work
Making Art Work Alice Yang makes art to make a living and to…
Mar 20, 2024 · 7 min readWilian Iralzabal – No Code Designer & Developer
Designing A Better Life Wilian Iralzabal created Zabal Media to design the work-life he…
Feb 21, 2024 · 5 min read
Olivia Nunn – Veteran, Pageant Queen, and Mental Health Advocate
Sharing What Matters Olivia Nunn is a U.S. Army Officer, communications pro and mental…
Nov 29, 2023 · 5 min read
Vincent Nguyen – Veteran, Environmental Consultant, & Yogie
Balancing Past and Future Vincent Nguyen is a U.S. military leader turned business-of-one pursuing…
Nov 15, 2023 · 5 min readTasha Jones – Veteran and Government Consultant
Making Growth Simple Tasha Jones is a U.S. military intelligence analyst turned government contract…
Nov 1, 2023 · 5 min readWebinars
All Collective Webinars posts
Webinar Recap: Tax Moves to Make Before September 15th (September 3, 2026)
The September 15th tax deadline covers two separate obligations for solopreneurs: the extended deadline…
Sep 3, 2026 · 9 min read
Webinar Recap: S Corp Late Election Relief for 2026 (August 20, 2026)
During a live session on August 20, 2026, Collective’s Marissa Achanzar broke down how…
Aug 20, 2026 · 9 min read
Webinar Recap: What the April 15th Deadline Actually Means for Solopreneurs (April 7, 2026)
During a live session on April 7, 2026, Collective’s Marissa Achanzar broke down the…
Aug 11, 2026 · 9 min read
Webinar Recap: Understanding S Corp Late Election Relief (June 23, 2026)
During a live session on June 23, 2026, Collective’s Marissa Achanzar walked through S…
Aug 11, 2026 · 13 min read
Webinar Recap: LLC vs. S Corp: Which Is Right for Your Business? (August 6, 2026)
Collective hosted a live session breaking down the difference between staying a single-member LLC…
Aug 10, 2026 · 11 min read
Webinar Recap: Unlocking Better Healthcare for Solopreneurs (July 30, 2026)
Recap of Collective’s July 30, 2026 webinar. Hosted by Marissa Achanzar, Strategic Content &…
Aug 5, 2026 · 9 min readEstimate your tax savings
*With Collective, freelancers save an average of $10,000 a year. *Savings estimates reflect the average 2023 federal self-employment (SE) tax savings for Collective members with an S Corp tax election, based on business profits that would have otherwise been subject to SE tax. Actual savings will vary based on individual circumstances.
Estimate Your Tax Savings