Going full-time freelance? What changes, and when.
Leaving a salary means becoming your own payroll department. These are the four things that changes, in order.
The guides you need
Taxes for freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, without the jargon.
Self-employment tax is the part that surprises people. Work out what you owe.
Tool: Self-employment tax calculator
Quarterly estimated taxes made simple, with the safe-harbor rule that avoids penalties.
Four payments a year, and the safe-harbor rule that avoids the penalty.
Tool: Safe-harbor calculator
Get your EIN from the IRS at no cost, and steer clear of the look-alike paid sites.
Get one at no cost from the IRS, and avoid the look-alike paid sites.
Tool: Official versus paid comparison
Fill out a W-9 correctly, and know who actually needs to send one.
Every client will need one before your first invoice is paid.
Tool: Step-by-step guide
Whether you need an LLC, what it costs in your state, and if an S corp would really save you money.
Worth it above a certain profit. Below it, usually not.
Tool: S corp tax calculator
Start here
- Paycheck Easy Guide See where every dollar of your paycheck goes, from gross pay to take-home.
- Best Life Index What it actually costs to live in any American city, and whether the move is worth it.
Easy Guides is an independent publisher of educational content. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or any other government agency. What you read here is general educational content, not legal, tax, or financial advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. Official government resources are available at no cost at IRS.gov, StudentAid.gov, and USCIS.gov.