For self-employed income, can you deduct services paid for on platforms like Upwork.com and fivver? (i.e. writer, VA, web designer)

[dennis-oconnell1]

I work as a copywriter for my side-gig. Sometimes when I am busy I will hire help through websites like Upwork. Can I deduct the amount I spent on services? If so, what category would I put this deduction under?

[MinhT1]

Yes. If you hire help from these websites for your work, you can deduct the cost as a business expense and can categorize it as Professional fees.

[JakeLee]

If you want to file schedule C for your 'side' business, that could net you better offsets on your income. Remember to be thorough in your determination of what expenses you are 'charging' to your side business.