General cost-of-living is an expense—just see how long you can keep earning that "profit" without paying it. This is partly accounted for by the standard deduction, which is approximately equal to the official federal poverty level.
To put them on even terms with corporations, individual employees and freelancers should be able to deduct any personal expenses which are reasonably related to allowing them to perform their jobs, including but not limited to food, shelter, child care, and basic utilities. Depending on the demands of the job and local conditions this may well exceed the official poverty level.
General cost-of-living is an expense—just see how long you can keep earning that "profit" without paying it. This is partly accounted for by the standard deduction, which is approximately equal to the official federal poverty level.
To put them on even terms with corporations, individual employees and freelancers should be able to deduct any personal expenses which are reasonably related to allowing them to perform their jobs, including but not limited to food, shelter, child care, and basic utilities. Depending on the demands of the job and local conditions this may well exceed the official poverty level.