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Tax debt help for freelancers

Clients pay you. The IRS waits for its part.

Freelance writer in her 20s working on a laptop at a sunny cafe window
Updated October 8, 20263 sourcesFact checked

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

Freelance pay comes in with no tax taken out. Without quarterly payments, the bill builds up.

The rules are the same as for anyone self employed. See our self employed guide for the full list.

A tax pro can help you file late returns and pick a way to pay.

  • Self employment tax is 15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. No boss pays half for you.
  • You generally must pay estimated tax if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file.
  • A home office deduction needs a part of your home that you use only for the business, on a regular basis.

What a tax pro may ask you

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

  • If you work from home
  • Which tax years you have not filed
  • The notice code in the top right corner of any IRS letter

Common questions

Can I deduct a home office?

Only if you use part of your home regularly and only for the business.

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: Self employment tax
  2. IRS: Estimated taxes
  3. IRS: Home office deduction
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.