As an independent contractor, you are self-employed even if most of your work comes from a single source.
If a company pays an independent contractor more than $600 in the course of a year, they are required to send that independent contractor an IRS Form 1099. Any taxpayer who earns more than $400 in a year, as an independent contractor, must file a Schedule C form along with their regular income tax return.
The Schedule C will help to calculate how much tax is owed. The self-employment tax is 15.3%. The tax can vary dependent on how much money the individual has earned and what deductions they claim. If the tax is likely to be $1000, a calculated tax must be paid in increments throughout the year. Otherwise, the independent contractor can pay the tax in full with their income tax return.
Independent contractors that anticipate owning more than $1000 in tax must pay quarterly calculated taxes. Estimating their income for the year, the taxpayer completes IRS worksheet 1040-ES and sends ¼ of the total amount to the IRS by each deadline. Payments can be made by check or money order, electronically, by credit card, or by automatic withdrawal. Payment deadlines usually fall in April, June, September, and January, but can vary according to the tax year. If there is a miscalculation in the taxes, it is addressed at the end of the year. Unpaid taxes are added and overpaid taxes are refunded.
As an independent contractor, it is important to maintain good business records. Receipts for expenses should be collected and retained in case of an investigation or Internal Revenue Service Tax Audit.
The tax code changes, at least to some extent, every year, and you will want to keep abreast of new laws and changes as they apply to independent contractors and the self-employed. Visit the Internal Revenue Service website often throughout the year, as they post tax changes and new regulations.
Depending upon the nature of your work, your income tax return could become somewhat complicated. You might want to consider using special tax software designated for businesses or even consulting with an accountant or tax professional regarding your tax situation. You want to be certain that you are complying with all tax regulations regarding the self-employed and that you take full advantage of all your legitimate tax credits, exemptions, and deductions in order to lower your tax liability.
