The Lifeline Blog
Guides, tips, and real talk for 1099 contractors, freelancers, and gig workers.
Our Story
1099 Life
Why I Built Smack Tax Lifeline (And Why I'm Never Paying $64/Month for Four Apps Again)
March 2, 2026 • 10 min read
I went from W-2 pharmacist to 1099 contractor with zero clue how to do my taxes. The tools out there cost a fortune and barely worked together. So I built my own.
Read the full story →
Tax Guide
Mileage
How to Track Mileage for Taxes as a 1099 Contractor (2026 Guide)
March 2, 2026 • 7 min read
The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.725 per mile. A 30-mile round trip is worth $21.75 in deductions. Here's how to make sure you capture every mile.
Read the guide →
Comparison
MileIQ
MileIQ vs Smack Tax Lifeline: Full Comparison for 1099 Workers (2026)
March 2, 2026 • 5 min read
MileIQ tracks miles. That's it. Here's a feature-by-feature breakdown of how it stacks up against an all-in-one platform built for 1099 workers.
See the comparison →
Tax Tips
Deductions
12 Tax Deductions Most 1099 Workers Miss (That Could Save You Thousands)
March 2, 2026 • 8 min read
Most 1099 contractors overpay their taxes — not because the deductions don't exist, but because nobody told them what to look for. Here are 12 you're probably missing.
See all 12 deductions →