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Tax Tips For Independent Contractor Work

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The coronavirus pandemic has altered the way Americans work. Many have lost their jobs. Others are dealing with reduced work schedules. This has led many to consider independent contractor and freelance work to supplement their lost income. Prior to COVID-19, an estimated 57 million people worked as independent contractors, according to Upwork. That number, however, is likely to climb as the pandemic continues.

New work-from-home and social distancing guidelines make freelance work more attractive than ever. Flexible schedules, diverse client portfolios, and the ability to set fees are just some of the perks that attract people to freelance work. Of course, like any other business, you’ll be expected to pay taxes and file a return. Depending on where you live, you could be responsible for both state and federal taxes. This post will concentrate on the federal taxes you’ll need to pay, as well as ways to reduce your tax liability.

Independent Contractor Taxes

If you are considering freelance work, keep in mind that there are certain taxes you will need to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Income Tax

Before 2020, non-employee compensation was reported in box 7 on Form 1099-MISC. As an independent contractor, you should now receive Form 1099-NEC by January 31 from those you have done business with during the previous year. If a client paid you less than $600, you will still need to report the income on your return, even if you don’t receive a 1099.

Self-Employment Tax

In addition to your federal income tax, you will also need to pay self-employment tax, which includes Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes. A traditional employee has a portion of these taxes paid by the employer. As a freelancer, however, you are responsible for the full amount. Currently, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare) of your net business income. To determine how much you owe, use IRS Schedule SE (Form 1040).

Calculating Quarterly Taxes

You will need to pay your federal income tax and self-employment taxes four times a year – April, June, September, and January, unless you earn under $1,000. To determine how much you will need to pay in estimated quarterly taxes, you can use Form 1040-ES. Keep in mind that you may also pay your estimated taxes weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. This may help you from falling behind. There are two easy ways to make payments online:

In addition to your federal taxes, you may also owe state and municipal taxes. Check with your local and/or state tax authority to determine your tax responsibilities, and when payments are due.

Common Tax Deductions for Independent Contractors

As an independent contractor, you may pay more in federal taxes than if you worked for someone else. But, depending on the nature of your business, you may be able to decrease your overall tax liability with these common tax deductions for those who are self-employed.

1. Home Office

If you use all or a portion of your home to run your business, you may be able to deduct a portion of your mortgage or rent, utilities, property taxes, repairs, and other expenses. You can use the simplified option, which allows for $5 per square foot that is used “exclusively and regularly” for business (up to 300 square feet), or you may use the percentage method. For example, if your business space is approximately 5% of your total home’s square footage, you can deduct 5% of your home’s expenses. Check out IRS Publication 587 for more information on this type of deduction.

2. Additional Space

Do you pay rent or mortgage for office space outside your home? If so, you can deduct this expense on Schedule C (Form 1040). This could include storage units, workshops, and other facilities not located in your home.

3. Office Supplies & Equipment

Office supplies, such as paper, ink toner, and shipping envelopes are a deductible expense. Be sure to keep receipts separate from any purchased for personal use. You can also deduct equipment used to run your business. Use Form 4562 to calculate the depreciation of computers, printers, and other office equipment.

4. Insurance

You may be able to deduct self-employment health insurance premiums for yourself and your family if you’re not eligible for coverage on another plan. In addition, your business must show a net profit. The deduction is taken on Form 1040 and does not apply to your self-employment tax. Other insurance deductions may include a portion of your home (Form 8829) or auto insurance, as well as other business insurance. These deductions are taken on Schedule C.

5. Retirement Plans

If you open an individual retirement account (IRA), the contributions you make can help reduce your taxable income.

6. Self-Employment Tax

As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for paying 100% of your Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes. The good news is that you can deduct 50% of those taxes, which will reduce both your income and self-employment taxes.

7. Professional Memberships & Subscriptions

Are you a member of a professional association? Do you subscribe to professional journals or publications? If so, your membership dues and/or subscription fees may be deducted as a business expense on Schedule C.

8. Advertising & Promotion

It’s nearly impossible to run a business without any type of advertising or promotion. Here are just a few of the expenses you might incur and can deduct on Schedule C:

  • Website creation & hosting
  • Promotional brochures and fliers
  • Business cards
  • Digital advertising
  • Direct mail postcards
  • Billboards

9. Business Travel & Meals

If you have to travel to meet with clients or potential customers, or for other business purposes, you may be able to deduct certain expenses. Typical business travel expenses include transportation, lodging, tolls, parking fees, and meals. Currently, there is a temporary 100% business meal deduction for food or beverages from restaurants, as long as the expense is paid or incurred in 2021 or 2022. Automobile expenses can be calculated by using the standard mileage rate, which increased to $.625 beginning 7/1/2022. Another option is calculating actual auto expenses and depreciation, and then multiplying the amount by the percentage used for business. For more information on these types of deductions, refer to IRS Topic No. 511.

Independent Contractor Tax Help

Taxes are complicated and often intimidating, but you don’t have to figure them out on your own. At MoneySolver, we have a team of tax professionals who can help you prepare your Schedule C and other tax forms. And here’s the best part, a portion of your fees may even deductible as a business expense. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a season freelancer, call us today for a free consultation.