topic Re: Freelance work when retired in Retirement tax questions

Freelance work when retired

medenix — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:52:43 GMT

I retired at the end of March and have a monthly annuity as a bridge to taking Social Security at 70. I unexpectedly fell into a fairly lucrative freelance gig, which of course is a 1099. Is it necessary for me to make quarterly tax payments to the IRS or just file at the end of the year? I know there'll be a tax hit either way.

Re: Freelance work when retired

MartyG — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:35:12 GMT

Hi medenix!!

The quick answer is no, you do not have to make quarterly tax payments. BUT, if you do not, you will likely be subject to an underpayment of tax penalty. This penalty is effectively an interest charge for not paying your taxes ratably during the year.

Also keep in mind that you will also owe Social Security and Medicare Tax, in addition to income tax. So the amount of taxes you owe may be more than you are figuring.

The Self-Employment tax rate is approx. 15.3%. Which means that if you are in the Federal 10% bracket, you would need to pay 25.3% of those earnings (after expenses) to satisfy your tax obligations. In addition, depending on where you live, you will also owe state taxes.

So if you want to avoid underpayment penalties, then yes, you do need to make estimated tax payments to the IRS (and maybe to your state).

Don't forget that the rate of tax is applied to your NET income. So you can reduce your income by ordinary and necessary expenses.

I hope this helps!

Marty

Re: Freelance work when retired

medenix — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:37:13 GMT

Thanks. I did know that it's the 25%. To follow up, is there a mechanism with the IRS to make the payments?

Re: Freelance work when retired

MartyG — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:50:13 GMT

Yes, go to IRS.gov and click on make a payment. You want to make sure to correctly answer all of the questions and indicate that you are making a 2023 Estimated Tax Payment (for work in 2023).

Does that help?

Marty

Re: Freelance work when retired

medenix — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:55:31 GMT

That's exactly what I needed. Thanks!