Thumbtack Bookkeeping Blueprint for Service Pros

Keep Thumbtack proposals, retainers, deposits, and expenses organized in a bookkeeping system so service pros manage taxes, cash flow, and client communication.

Independent contractors managing self-employed taxes should stay proactive about independent contractor deductions and year-round recordkeeping.

💡 Set aside 25% of every gig payout for self-employed taxes so independent contractor deductions cover quarterly payments.

Why It Matters for Self-Employed Taxes

Thumbtack pushes leads through paid credits, which makes cost of acquisition easy to miss. Bookkeeping by project keeps you from underpricing jobs.

Key Earnings & Expense Buckets

Log purchased credits separately so you know your real marketing spend per lead.
Track subcontractor payments or helper fees tied to larger Thumbtack projects.
Record insurance certificates, bonding, and permit fees you maintain to stay competitive.

Weekly Workflow

Reconcile Thumbtack deposits weekly and match them to invoices in your accounting app.
Review which project categories deliver the best ROI and adjust your preferences monthly.
Back up before and after photos for portfolio marketing and dispute protection.

Tools & Next Steps

Wave or QuickBooks Simple Start for invoicing, expense tracking, and 1099 reporting.
Credit tracking spreadsheets that map credits spent to jobs won.
Electronic signature tools for formal scopes of work and change orders.

Confident bookkeeping lets you raise rates with facts. Thumbtack becomes a controllable marketing engine, not a gamble.

How do I track mileage for gig work in 2025?

Use IRS-approved mileage logs or apps like Everlance to document date, distance, and purpose for every self-employed trip.

Can I deduct equipment or vehicle lease payments?

Yes, deduct the portion tied to independent contractor work; keep receipts and lease statements for 1099 tax audits.

When should I pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Send payments by April, June, September, and January to cover self-employed taxes and avoid IRS penalties.

What records should independent contractors keep?

Maintain income statements, mileage reports, receipts, and bank deposits to support deductions and 1099 filings.

How can I reduce surprise tax bills as a freelancer?

Estimate your independent contractor deductions monthly, set aside 25-30% of income, and automate transfers to a tax savings account.