Skip to main content

How to Pay Yourself as a Freelancer in 2025 (Without Getting Crushed by Taxes)

A remote freelancer in 2025 receiving international payments using legal business structures and borderless accounts
Freelancers in 2025 using smart tax strategies and global tools like doola and Wise to legally pay themselves and reduce income taxes.

How to Pay Yourself as a Freelancer in 2025 (Without Getting Crushed by Taxes)

In 2025, freelancers are earning more than ever — but many are unknowingly giving away huge chunks of that income to unnecessary taxes. If you're working with international clients, getting paid in multiple currencies, or using platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Deel, it's time to rethink how you pay yourself.

Common Freelancer Payment Mistakes

  • Getting paid into a personal bank account with no tax planning
  • Not separating business and personal income streams
  • Missing out on deductions and expense tracking

Smart Ways to Pay Yourself in 2025

Here are strategies the smartest freelancers are using today:

  • 1. Set Up an LLC or Global Entity: This lets you bill clients professionally, reduce liability, and deduct business expenses. You can use doola to set one up in minutes — no U.S. citizenship required.
  • 2. Use a Borderless Payment System: Avoid bank fees and hold your money in USD, EUR, or GBP with Wise. It’s the go-to for global freelancers.
  • 3. Pay Yourself a Fixed Salary + Distributions: This hybrid model is key to lowering self-employment taxes and maintaining steady income flow.

Related Money Optimization Reads

Bottom Line

Freelancing gives you freedom — but it also means you're responsible for your income strategy. If you're still using a personal account to get paid, you're leaking money.

Ready to earn smart and pay yourself the right way? Form your LLC with doola and use Wise to take control of your global income like a pro.

Popular posts from this blog

How Offshore Trusts Protect Ultra-High Net Worth Assets

Understanding Offshore Trusts for Wealth Protection For individuals with ultra-high net worth, offshore trusts are no longer a secretive tactic—they are a legitimate strategy for asset protection, estate planning, and global wealth management. These legal entities, often established in jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands or the Cook Islands, provide robust layers of separation between assets and potential claimants. Why Offshore Trusts Are Effective Offshore trusts offer powerful benefits that include tax optimization, privacy, and legal insulation from litigation. They are often used to protect real estate, investment portfolios, and business holdings. A trust, once created, holds ownership of the assets, removing them from the grantor’s personal estate while maintaining structured control over how they are distributed. Key Features of an Offshore Trust Legal Separation: Assets are no longer under direct ownership of the grantor. Asset Protection: Shielded from lawsui...

Top Reasons to Open a Foreign Bank Account in 2025

Why Foreign Bank Accounts Are Gaining Popularity In 2025, individuals and businesses are increasingly turning to foreign bank accounts to protect wealth, diversify currency holdings, and access global financial services. With rising concerns over inflation, government overreach, and geopolitical instability, offshore banking offers security and strategic advantages. 1. Asset Protection from Domestic Lawsuits Placing funds in foreign jurisdictions can insulate assets from domestic court rulings or sudden account freezes. Especially when combined with structures like Asset Protection Trusts , foreign accounts provide powerful legal insulation. 2. Currency Diversification and Hedging Foreign accounts allow depositors to hold multiple currencies—shielding value from local currency devaluation or central bank policies. This is particularly useful for retirement planning, international investments, or global business operations. 3. Tax Optimization Opportunities While f...

Top 10 Free Gift Card Offers You Can Claim in the USA (No Surveys)

U.S. residents can now claim free gift cards like Amazon, Dunkin, and Apple Watch without surveys or purchases in 2025. 🎁 Get Free Gift Cards & Samples in the USA (No Purchase. No Survey.) 🔥 U.S. residents only: You can now claim free gift cards and real product samples from top brands — all they ask for is your email. No surveys. No shipping fees. No apps. Here are the current verified offers that are still active (click and enter your email to claim): 🍩 Dunkin Donuts Samples – Limited batch 🍔 Wendy's Tasting Box – U.S. only ⌚ Apple Watch Giveaway – Confirm your email 🛒 $1000 Amazon Gift Card – First 500 only 📱 iPhone 16 Pro – Early access link 🛍️ $500 Aldi Gift Card – Instant eligibility 💵 $1000 Cash App Gift Card – Claim in 30 sec 🎁 Electronics Mystery Box – Worth up to $1000 🔥 Buffalo Wild Wings Free Tasting Pack 🥤 Free Stanley Mug (2025 Special) 🚨 Important: These are limited-time offers only for U.S. users. Once a quota...