Fill Out Schedule C (Form 1040): Profit or Loss From Business
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Form last updated: 09/2026.
Please verify this is the current version before use
Form last updated: 09/2026.
Please verify this is the current version before use
Get your Schedule C now!
1. Open the form
Access the pre-loaded form directly in our PDF editor. No need to upload anything!2. Fill in your details
Carefully complete all required fields to report your business income and expenses.3. Download as PDF
Save your filled-out form in PDF format, ready for submission or other needs.Complete Schedule C for business income
What is Schedule C (Form 1040)?
Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business, is the form sole proprietors and single-member LLCs attach to their Form 1040 to report income and expenses from a business they run. It calculates the net profit or loss that then flows onto your personal tax return.
Your net profit also feeds Schedule SE, which figures self-employment tax. If you receive a 1099-NEC as a contractor, that income is reported here as business revenue.
Who needs to fill out Schedule C?
Anyone who operates a business as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC files Schedule C — including freelancers, gig workers, consultants, and independent contractors. It's how self-employed income and the expenses against it are reported.
If you run more than one distinct business, you file a separate Schedule C for each. The net profit you calculate here is also the figure to use when estimating quarterly payments on Form 1040-ES.
How to fill out Schedule C
1
Open Schedule C in the PDF editor.
2
Enter your details — name, SSN, business name, and the business code and description.
3
Report income in Part I — gross receipts, then subtract returns and cost of goods sold to get gross profit.
4
List expenses by category in Part II (advertising, supplies, vehicle, home office, and more).
5
Calculate net profit or loss by subtracting total expenses from gross profit.
6
Complete Parts III–V if they apply — cost of goods sold, vehicle information, and other expenses.
7
Review and download the completed schedule to attach to your Form 1040.
FAQ
What is Schedule C?
Schedule C is the tax form sole proprietors and single-member LLCs use to report business income and expenses, producing the net profit or loss that goes on your Form 1040.
What is Schedule C income?
Schedule C income is the money your business earns — the gross receipts or sales from your goods or services — before you subtract business expenses to arrive at net profit.
Where is Schedule C on the 1040?
Schedule C is a separate form you attach to your Form 1040. Its net profit flows to Schedule 1, which then carries over to the income section of your main 1040.
Where does my Schedule C net profit go?
Your net profit or loss carries to Form 1040 as part of your taxable income and to Schedule SE to figure self-employment tax. It's also the basis for estimating your quarterly payments on Form 1040-ES.
Can I deduct a home office on Schedule C?
Yes, if you use part of your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can claim the home office deduction — using either the simplified square-footage method or actual expenses calculated on Form 8829.
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