If none of the following apply to you, you may Clear and Start Over with your return to select a different software version.
Sole proprietor, independent contractor, consultant and freelancer are all terms used to describe self-employed workers. Whether you do it full-time or on the side—if you’re an independent worker like an Uber/Lyft driver, web designer, tutor, or babysitter—you’re self-employed.
You may not think of yourself as running a business, but you’re considered self-employed if you engage in business-like activities.
Three key factors that generally define an activity as a business:
Situations where you wouldn't be considered self-employed:
When you’re self-employed, you’re likely to receive a 1099-MISC or a 1099-K. Even if you don’t receive these forms, you still need to report all your income from self-employment.