A $30K commission month shouldn't wreck your tax year.
TaxClover sizes the 'set aside $X' the moment a commission clears — so the closing in March is already covered when June 15 arrives.
Typical real estate agents: Compass · Keller Williams · RE/MAX · Coldwell Banker · eXp · independents
Agents almost always work as 1099 contractors under a brokerage, with income that swings from a $0 month to a $30K closing. That lumpiness is exactly what blows up quarterly payments. TaxClover recalculates your annual projection on every commission, books the right amount to your tax bucket, and keeps your MLS dues, staging, and mileage categorized for year-end.
What real estate agents write off most
TaxClover sorts each one onto the correct IRS line automatically. These are the big ones for your line of work.
Marketing & advertising
Listing photography, signage, social ads, mailers, and your personal-brand website.
MLS dues, licensure & board fees
MLS access, NAR and local board dues, and license renewal go on the taxes-and-licenses line.
Vehicle & showings mileage
Miles driven to showings, inspections, and closings at 72.5¢ — agents rack these up fast.
Staging & client gifts
Home staging costs, plus closing gifts (deductible up to the IRS $25-per-recipient limit).
Brokerage splits, desk fees, and franchise royalties come out before you see the money — but they're still deductible business expenses, not invisible. Track gross commission, then the split.
Everything a real estate agent needs to stay tax-ready
- A live quarterly estimate — federal, SE, and your state
- Schedule C expense tracking across all 22 IRS lines
- Mileage logging at the 2026 rate of 72.5¢/mile
- Receipt scanning that drafts a categorized expense
- 1099-NEC tracking and reconciliation by client
- A year-end bundle ready for your CPA or TurboTax
One plan, $19/mo or $190/yr. TaxClover doesn't file your taxes and isn't a substitute for a CPA — it makes sure you're ready for both.
Real estate agents tax questions
How do I handle a huge commission month?+
TaxClover re-projects your full-year income every time you log a commission, so a big closing immediately bumps your 'set aside' number instead of surprising you at the deadline.
Are brokerage desk fees deductible?+
Yes — desk fees, E&O insurance, and franchise fees are ordinary business expenses. TaxClover sorts them to the right Schedule C lines.
I'm in a no-income-tax state — does that matter?+
If you're in TX, FL, or another no-tax state, TaxClover's state module returns $0 and you only plan for federal. Your quarterly estimate adjusts automatically.
The April surprise is a choice. Stop choosing it.
Start a 14-day trial — no credit card. Log a week of income and see your real number. $19/mo flat after that, cancel anytime.