Filing taxes as an independent contractor: A step-by-step guide

If you pay independent contractors, you may have to file Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, to report payments for services performed for your trade or business. Self-employment tax is a tax that independent contractors pay in addition to their income tax. This tax is used to fund Social Security and Medicare, which are typically paid by employers on behalf of traditional employees.

For 2020, there are seven 1099 tax brackets and the tax rate range from 10% to 37%. An independent contractor is a self-employed person who provides services or products to one or more organizations, per the IRS, but isn’t an employee. Your personal tax forms for independent contractors income tax deadline as an independent contractor is the same as it is for employees. All personal income tax, filed with Form 1040, is due April 15 of each year. If April 15 falls on a weekend or a holiday, they are due the next business day.

Understanding Taxes for Independent Contractors

Check with your state’s business resources for deadlines and any required forms. The IRS generally requires self-employed people, including independent contractors, to make quarterly estimated tax payments. You can use this IRS website on Form 1040-ES to estimate your taxes and find more information. A W-9 form is used by a company to request a contractor’s taxpayer identification number (TIN). This will ensure that payments are made to the appropriate individual or the contractor’s business, and that the IRS will receive the correct information when it’s time for filing.

• If you would like a tax expert to clarify it for you, feel free to sign up for Keeper.
• But that’s only an extension to file your paperwork — if you owe any taxes, you’ll need to pay them by the April 15 deadline to avoid being charged a penalty.
• Let’s start with the portion of independent contractor taxes collected by the IRS.
• We will break down everything from what is a 1099 form to tax deductions.
• If you aren’t required to make quarterly tax payments, you could shell out to Uncle Sam once a year.
• As an independent contractor, you can deduct reasonable and necessary expenses related to running your business.

It is paramount you keep accurate records of your pay and expenses so you don’t run afoul of Uncle Sam. Form 1099-NEC should be completed at the end of the year and sent to independent contractors at their correct addresses. You can also send the form to a recipient electronically with the contractor’s consent. Businesses using the services of independent contractors complete this form.

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You must be aware of how much tax you need to pay on 1099 income. The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations amending the rules for filing returns and other documents electronically (e-file). These regulations affect filers of many types of returns including information returns (for example, Forms 1099) and withholding tax returns (for example, Forms 945 and 1042).

Maintaining a separate bank account will help you keep business and personal expenses separate. While you’re at the bank, set up a separate savings account too. It’ll make it even easier to transfer your 25 to 30 cents for every dollar you earn to pay for taxes.

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Help with electronic filing is available to payers, transmitters, and employers, by calling Technical Services Operation (TSO). Let our team of professional accountants take care of your books and receive accurate, detailed reports every month. Our team of experts is laser-focused on the latest trends and premier customer satisfaction, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best care and service. Your personal account manager will focus on handling your books, giving you back your time to focus on growing your business and leading it forward. Keeping accurate records of your income and expenses can help you stay organized and simplify the tax filing process. Make sure to save all receipts, invoices, and other documentation related to your business expenses.