2011 Estimated Taxes for New York

If you live in the state of New York, here are the estimated taxes that you should mark on your calendar:

Estimated MCTMT Payments

Generally, if you are a self-employed individual (includes LLCs), you must make estimated MCTMT payments if you expect to owe any MCTMT for the tax year after subtracting

Period Due Date Amount
Q1 May 2, 2011 $50.00
Q2 August 1, 2011 $50.00
Q3 October 31, 2011 $50.00
Q4 January 31, 2012 $50.00

You can make your payment online or by filling out the PDF and mailing it in.

If mailing it in:
Memo Field: Print social security number or tax identification number and 2011 MTA-5

Make Check Payable To: Commissioner of Taxation and Finance

Mail Check To:
MCTMT Processing Center
PO Box 4134
Binghamton, NY 13902-4134


2011 Tax Tips for Freelancers

If you’re a freelancer incorporated as an LLC, there are certain business deductions you should include on your 2009 tax filing. As an LLC, you enjoy the benefits of owning a business, but you do not incur a double tax. Below is a list of forms and specific line items you should be cognizant of as a freelancer and/or single-member LLC.

Form 1040

You’ll need to file form 1040 as you normally do. As a freelancer, here are some specific things to be cognizant of:

Form and Line Item Description Deductible
Form 1040: Line 26 Personal: Moving Expenses 100%
Form 1040: Line 28 Personal: Self-Employed SEP 100%
Form 1040: Line 29 Personal: Self-Employed Health Insurance 100%
Form 1040: Line 32 Personal: Traditional IRA Deduction 100%
Form 1040: Line 33 Personal: Student Loan Interest 100%
Form 1040: Line 34 Personal: Tuition and Fees 100%

2009 Federal 1040 Form (PDF)
2009 Federal 1040 Instructions (PDF)

Form 1040: Schedule A

You’ll need to file Schedule A in order to list out all of your personal itemized deductions. As a freelancer, here are some specific things to be cognizant of:

Form and Line Item Description Deductible
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 1 Personal: Medical and Dental Expenses 100%
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 5 Personal: State and Local Income Taxes Paid 100%
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 10 Personal: Mortgage Interest 100%
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 13 Personal: Mortgage Insurance Premium 100%
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 16 Personal: Gifts to Charity by Cash or Check 100%
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 17 Personal: Gifts to Charity Not by Cash or Check 100%
Form 1040: Schedule A: Line 22 Personal: Tax Preparation Fees 100%

2009 Federal 1040 Schedule A Form (PDF)
2009 Federal 1040 Schedule A Instructions (PDF)

Form 1040: Schedule C

You’ll need to file Schedule C in order to list out all of your business itemized deductions. As a freelancer, here are some specific things to be cognizant of:

Form and Line Item Description Deductible
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 8 Business: Advertising 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 9 Business: Car and Truck Expenses 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 11 Business: Contract Labor (Max $600) 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 13 Business: Depreciation (Hardware and Software) 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 17 Business: Legal and Professional Services 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 18 Business: Office Expenses (Postage, Paper, Supplies) 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 20a Business: Rental of Vehicle, Machinery, Equipment 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 20b Business: Rental of Other Business Property 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 21 Business: Repairs and Maintenance 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 22 Business: Supplies (Books, Magazines, Samples) 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 23 Business: Taxes and Licenses 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 24a Business: Travel 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 24b Business: Meals and Entertainment 50%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part II: Line 25 Business: Utilities 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part V: Line 1 Business: Other Expenses: Business Gifts 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part V: Line 2 Business: Other Expenses: Transaction Fees 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part V: Line 3 Business: Other Expenses: Conferences 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part V: Line 4 Business: Other Expenses: Training 100%
Form 1040: Schedule C: Part V: Line 5 Business: Other Expenses: Web Conferencing 100%

2009 Federal 1040 Schedule C Form (PDF)
2009 Federal 1040 Schedule C Instructions (PDF)

Form 8829

You’ll need to file Form 8829 in order to list out all of your home office itemized deductions. Note that these expenses are only partially deductible, based on the percentage of your home used an office. As a freelancer, here are some specific things to be cognizant of:

Form and Line Item Description Deductible
Form 8829: Line 17 Home Office: Insurance x%
Form 8829: Line 18 Home Office: Rent x%
Form 8829: Line 19 Home Office: Repairs and Maintenance x%
Form 8829: Line 20 Home Office: Utilities x%

2009 Federal 8829 Form (PDF)
2009 Federal 8829 Instructions (PDF)


2008 NYS LLC/LLP Filing Fee

If you’re a freelancer incorporated as either an LLC or LLP in the state of New York and you’re not being treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, then you’ll need to file form IT-204-LL by January 30, 2009.

Single-Member LLC or LLP:

If you have a single-member LLC or LLP, then you will need to pay a flat fee of $25.

Multi-Member LLC or LLP:

If you have a multi-member LLC or LLP, then you will need to pay based on the following schedule:

# LLC or LLP Income in 2008 Fee Due
1 Between $0 – $100,000 $25
2 Between $100,000 – $250,000 $50
3 Between $250,000 – $500,000 $175
4 Between $500,000 – $1,000,000 $500
5 Between $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 $1,500
6 Between $5,000,000 – $25,000,000 $3,000
7 Over $25,000,000 $4,500

2008 NYS IT-204-LL Form (PDF)
2008 NYS IT-204-LL Instructions (PDF)