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Tax debt help for construction workers

Seasonal pay can leave a tax gap.

Construction worker in a hard hat and vest carrying lumber on a sunny site
Updated October 8, 20264 sourcesFact checked
1.7 millionAbout 1.7 million construction laborer and helper jobs (1,674,400) (2025)Source: BLS OOH: Construction Laborers and Helpers

Self employment tax calculator

Your profit in. Your quarterly number out.

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Penalty calculator

See what late filing and late paying add.

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Why it matters

If a crew pays you on a 1099, no tax is taken out.

If you run the crew, see our contractor guide for payroll rules.

A tax pro can help you catch up either way.

  • Employers withhold and pay taxes on employees. They generally do not on independent contractors. Calling a worker the wrong one can leave you owing.
  • Self employment tax is 15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. No boss pays half for you.
  • For 2025 through 2028, workers may deduct qualified overtime pay above their regular rate, like the "half" in time and a half.

What a tax pro may ask you

Have these ready. Clear answers help a tax firm see what fits you.

  • If you were paid on a W-2, a 1099 or both
  • Which tax years you have not filed
  • The notice code in the top right corner of any IRS letter

Common questions

Is overtime still taxed?

For 2025 through 2028, workers may deduct qualified overtime above their regular rate. Other tax rules still apply.

Can a tax pro stop IRS collection?

They can ask the IRS for a payment plan, a hold, penalty relief or an offer, based on your facts. Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

Ways to get help

Offer in compromise: Ask the IRS to take less than you owe. Hard to get.Payment plan: Pay what you owe a little each month.Not collectible: The IRS pauses collection while money is too tight.What happens if I owe the IRS and can't pay?What happens if I owe back taxes?I owe the IRS money. What do I do first?

Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.

Sources

  1. IRS: Independent contractor or employee?
  2. IRS: Self employment tax
  3. IRS: One Big Beautiful Bill Act deductions for working Americans
  4. BLS OOH: Construction Laborers and Helpers
Other jobs

We help a lot of jobs

Self employed graphic designer at a home studio desk with a sketch tabletSelf employedNo withholding means the tax bill comes all at once.Gig worker in a hoodie with a delivery bag on a bike at a city cornerGig workersApp pay is taxable, 1099 or not.Rideshare driver in his 40s leaning on his clean sedan at a curb, phone in handRideshare driversMiles matter when the 1099 comes.Delivery driver carrying a box up porch steps, brown jacket, smilingDelivery driversDelivery pay, no withholding.Owner operator truck driver standing by the cab of his semi at a truck stop at dawnOwner operatorsYour own truck, your own Form 2290.

Run the numbers with our free tax tools, like the penalty and payment plan math.

See your options

A few questions. A tax pro calls you back.

Free tools: penalty calculator, 10 year clock, IRS offer data

Free to use. Not the IRS or any government agency. Results depend on your situation. Not every case qualifies.