About TakeHomeLab

TakeHomeLab is a free educational site of US-focused take-home tools and plain-English guides for freelancers, contractors, side-hustlers, and employees who want clearer money numbers — without sales pitches or “get rich” noise.

Who it’s for

  • Independent contractors and 1099 freelancers
  • Side-hustlers weighing rates and tax set-asides
  • Anyone comparing freelance quotes to W-2 take-home in educational terms
  • W-2 employees checking paycheck take-home

What we are

  • An educational resource for money math freelancers and employees actually face
  • Transparent about assumptions and limitations on every calculator
  • Built for Core Web Vitals: light pages, minimal JavaScript, mobile-first layout

What we are not

  • Not a tax preparer, CPA firm, law firm, or financial advisor
  • Not a source of personalized tax, legal, or investment advice
  • Not a guarantee of rates, savings, or earnings outcomes

We publish calculators and explainers that help you estimate hourly rates, compare rough 1099 vs W-2 outcomes, think through quarterly tax set-asides, and keep invoices tidy. Calculator math runs in your browser. Shared calculator links include the numbers you enter. No account required.

Important: Output from our tools is for education and planning conversations only. Tax rules change, state rules differ, and your situation is unique. Confirm numbers with a qualified professional and current IRS guidance before you act. TakeHomeLab is not tax or legal advice.

Who runs TakeHomeLab

Published by Freshpath Studio.

Figures are sourced from official IRS, Social Security Administration (SSA), and state sources, cited on each page and rechecked each tax year.

Contact Freshpath Studio toll-free at (844) 759-0281, or by mail at P.O. Box 15, Sheridan, CA 95681.

How the site stays free

TakeHomeLab is supported by display advertising and optional sponsorships disclosed on our Advertise page. Ads never change calculator formulas. Editorial content stays educational and disclaimer-forward.

Questions? Email hello@takehomelab.app or use our Contact page.