1099

[dhauze]

I recently retired and have a contract to consult with my old employer.  I will earn more than $1,000.  What website do I use to file my SS and Medicare along with my contribution as an independent contractor (employer) and a federal estimate?  I just started as a consultant this month how often do I need to file?  

[KNDavis]

Hi Dhauze!

Congratulations on your retirement!

I will assume that your duties and responsibilities as a 1099 contractor are different from when you were a W-2 employee and assume that your former employer is not misclassifying you as a contractor when you should continue as a W-2 employee.

Since you will receive a 1099 for your compensation, you are considered self-employed.  Your income (less any expenses) is reported on Schedule C on your personal tax return. 

The tax on your Form 1040 will include both your income taxes AND self-employment taxes, which cover  social security and Medicare taxes.  There is no separate form - just your annual tax return.   Self employment tax is 15.3%, which is double the rate that employees have deducted from their paychecks.  This is because the self-employed person pays both halves of the tax.  For W-2 employees, the employer pays the other half.

You will want to make quarterly estimated payments for the income tax and self-employment tax associated with your consulting work.  The next due date is 9/15/2024 for income through 8/31.  The 4th payment is due 1/15/2025. 

You can make the estimated tax payments on the IRS website at www.irs.gov/payments.

You'll want to aim to have paid in either 90% of the 2024 tax liability or 100% of your 2023 tax liability.  

Here's a guide to paying estimated taxes: A Guide to Paying Quarterly Taxes

Thanks for participating in TurboTax's Ask the Expert event today.  I hope this information was helpful!

Sincerely,

Kimberly, CPA for over 30 years