How to File Taxes as an Independent Contractor: Tax Forms, Deductions, and Credits for Freelancers

This article is part of BizTaxFacts, our Business Tax series on navigating taxes for self-employed individuals and small businesses. We’ll break down tax obligations and considerations, including deductions, credits, and filing across different working arrangements.

Making Sense of Contractor Tax: Congratulations on taking the leap into working for yourself! As a self-employed individual, you’re now responsible for managing your own taxes. But don’t let the thought of schedules, deductions, and credits overwhelm you. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of contractor taxes, helping you understand your responsibilities, claim deductions you deserve, and stay compliant with IRS regulations.

What You Need to Know

• Understand your filing status: Freelancers, (non-employee) independent contractors, and consultants are considered self-employed and must file taxes as business owners.
• Keep accurate records: Track business income and expenses to claim deductions and credits.
• Estimate taxes quarterly: Make timely payments to avoid penalties (April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, January 15th of the following year).
• Explore deductions: Home office expenses, business use of your car, and other costs might be deductible.

Decoding Contractor Taxes for the Self-Employed

As a contractor, you’re considered self-employed and subject to a unique set of tax rules. Here’s what you need to know:

• What is Self-Employment Tax? Self-employment tax is the tax paid by individuals who work on a freelance or contract basis. It consists of Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are normally split between employers and employees.
• Who Needs to File a Schedule SE and Pay Self-Employment Tax? Self-employed individuals need to file a Schedule SE and pay self-employment tax if their net earnings from self-employment total $400 or more.
• Important Note Regarding 1099-NEC: You may receive a 1099-NEC form if you were paid $600 or more for services performed as a non-employee. This form reports the income you received, but the requirement to pay self-employment tax is based on your net earnings ($400 or more), not the gross amount reported on the 1099-NEC.

💡Learn more about contractor taxes.

Key Contractor Tax Forms

Contractors will need to file several tax forms in order to accurately report business income and expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the key forms:

• Schedule C (Form 1040): Report your business income and expenses on this form.
• Schedule SE (Form 1040): Report your self-employment tax on this form.
• Form 1099-NEC: This form reports self-employment income from clients or customers.
• Form 1040-ES: Use this form to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.

💡Learn more about self-employment tax vs. income tax.

Contractor Tax Deductions: Reducing Your Taxable Income

Contractors and freelancers may be able to deduct certain business expenses on their tax return. Here are some common deductions to consider:

• Home Office Expenses: You may be able to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and other expenses related to your home office.
• Business Use of Your Car: You can deduct the business use percentage of your car expenses, including gas, insurance, and maintenance or track your business miles driven.
• Meals and Entertainment: You can deduct 50% of the cost of business-related meals, provided you keep accurate records. Entertainment expenses are generally not deductible.

💡Learn more about business tax deductions.

Contractor Tax Credits: Reducing Your Tax Liability

As a contractor, you may be eligible for certain tax credits to help offset the costs of self-employment taxes. Here are a few credits to consider:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): This credit is available to low- and moderate-income individuals who work for themselves or others. Income limitations apply.
• Child Tax Credit (CTC): This credit is available to individuals with qualifying dependents under the age of 17. Income limitations apply.
• Savings Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit or Saver’s Credit): This credit is available to individuals who contribute to a retirement savings plan, such as a SEP-IRA or a traditional IRA. Income limitations apply.

💡Learn more about qualifying tax credits.

Contractor Tax Audits: What to Expect

Just like any other taxpayer, contractors and freelancers are subject to tax audits. However, while self-employment doesn’t make you inherently more or less likely to be audited, it does come with its own set of potential red flags. Here’s what you need to know:

• Risk Factors: The IRS may audit you if you have:
  • High self-employment income
  • Large deductions
  • Complex tax returns
  • Unreported income
• Audit Notice: If you’re audited, you’ll receive a notice from the IRS explaining the reason for the audit and what information you need to provide.
• Preparation is Key: Keep accurate records of your income and expenses, including receipts, bank statements, and cancelled checks.

💡Learn more about how to avoid a tax audit.

Contractor Tax Calendar: Key Dates

As a contractor or freelancer, you’ll need to file several tax forms throughout the year. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay on track:

• Individual Return (Form 1040): April 15th 
• Business Return (Schedule C): 
  • March 15th (For S corporations and partnerships) 
  • April 15th (For sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs)
• Estimated Taxes (Form 1040-ES): April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, January 15th of the following year

💡Learn more about tax deadlines. Note: These are the standard deadlines that can shift slightly depending on weekends and holidays.

Your Contractor Tax Questions Answered

Do I need to file a Schedule C if I only have a small side hustle?

Yes, if you earn more than $400 in net earnings from self-employment from your side hustle, you’ll need to file a Schedule C.

Can I deduct the cost of a business meal with a client if my client doesn’t reimburse me?

Maybe. You can deduct up to 50% of the cost of a business meal with a client if you itemize the expenses on a separate receipt and keep a record of the client’s name, date, and business purpose.

How do I report self-employment income on my tax return?

You’ll report self-employment income on Schedule C (Form 1040) and Schedule SE (Form 1040).

The Bottom Line: Mastering Contractor Taxes

Navigating self-employment taxes can be complex, but understanding the basics is key to financial peace of mind. By keeping accurate records, exploring deductions and credits, and staying ahead of tax deadlines, you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

​With TurboTax Live Assisted Sole Proprietor, get unlimited expert help while you do your taxes, or let a tax expert file completely for you, start to finish. Self employed and sole proprietors get access to unlimited, year-round advice and answers at no extra cost, maximize credits and deductions, and a 100% Accurate, Expert Approved guarantee.

Don’t let tax season hold you back – take control of your finances and watch your business thrive.