#self-employment
Self-Employment
Learn about self-employment taxes, LLC owner compensation, and freelancer financial management
Form 1040-ES: A Complete Guide to Quarterly Estimated Taxes
A practical guide to Form 1040-ES—who must file, how to calculate quarterly estimated payments, 2026 due dates, the safe harbor rule, and how to avoid IRS underpayment penalties as a freelancer or small business owner.
Form 1099-NEC: The Complete Guide for Businesses and Contractors
Step-by-step guide to Form 1099-NEC — who must file, the $600 threshold (rising to $2,000 in 2026), the January 31 deadline, the penalty schedule ($60–$340 per form), and how to avoid the most common contractor reporting mistakes.
Best Accounting Software for Consultants: What to Use and Why It Matters
Consultants have unique accounting needs: time tracking, project-based billing, and self-employment taxes. Here's how to choose the best accounting software for your consulting practice — from FreshBooks to Xero to Wave.
How to Pay Yourself from an LLC: Salary vs. Owner's Draw Explained
Learn how to pay yourself from an LLC using owner's draws or salary, understand the tax implications of each LLC tax classification (sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corp, C-corp), and discover when an S-corp election can save you thousands in self-employment taxes.