{"id":55458,"date":"2021-01-27T22:02:20","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T04:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?page_id=55458"},"modified":"2026-01-19T14:46:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T20:46:13","slug":"guide-gig-worker-taxes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/guide-gig-worker-taxes\/","title":{"rendered":"Gig Worker Tax Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Filing guide For independent contractor taxes<\/mark><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Independent contractor, freelancer or gig worker Whatever term you use, self-employed individuals have additional responsibilities each tax year. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 this isn\u2019t a job you have to do on your own. We\u2019re here to make understanding gig worker taxes easier for you.

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File confidently with H&R Block Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take control of your taxes and get every credit and deduction you deserve. File with H&R Block Deluxe Online<\/a> (if you have no expenses) or H&R Block Self-Employed Online<\/a> (if you have expenses).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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File online <\/a><\/h2>

Do your taxes from a smartphone or computer. We’ll be with you every step of the way. <\/p><\/div>

Starting at<\/p>

$0<\/p>

+additional state fee<\/p>

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Start for free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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The big deal about gig income and taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do gig workers pay taxes? Yes, but how it works is very different if you’re used to filing taxes with a W-2 job.

Get an overview of filing taxes as an independent contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employee vs. contractor<\/span>What\u2019s the difference?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common problems for gig workers<\/span>Six pitfalls to avoid<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-employment tax<\/span>How to pay into Social Security & Medicare<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estimated taxes<\/span>Stay in good standing with the IRS<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Gig economy tax deductions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deductions lower your income, helping you lower your overall tax bill. Self-employed and gig workers can take advantage of tax deductions that individuals can\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mileage deduction or car expenses<\/span>Understand your options<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qualified business income<\/span>20% deduction for certain entity types<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health insurance<\/span>Up to 100% deduction for your qualified premiums<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Forms 1099 for gig workers and Schedule C<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your 1099 gig worker forms and Schedule C are used to report your income to the IRS. Luckily, you don\u2019t need to be a forms expert to understand the details. That\u2019s where our expertise comes in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1099-NEC<\/span>Nonemployee pay<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1099-K<\/span>Third party and payment card transactions<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule C<\/span>Business profits and loss<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Gig worker taxes FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s the best option for side hustle tax prep?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div><\/a>
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When managing taxes for your side hustle, it’s crucial to choose a tax preparation service that can handle various income sources and complex tax situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here\u2019s what to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n