Tax Calculator for Independent Contractor

[sbryan]

A company brought me on in September as an independent contractor for the launch of a new brand — a proof of concept sort of thing. I have a good feeling it will go full-time regular, but I need to deal with taxes regardless.

I know some independent contractors are small business owners, but I am not. It's just the nature of my employment. That in mind, is there a state + federal tax estimator for non-business-owner independent contractors?

Thanks!

 

[noworries]

A good tax person will save you a lot more money then they charge you...

 

[David Jimerson]

Yeah, don't skimp. You need professional help for this.

 

[sbryan]

We are talking about 14-16k. Are the services of a professional still warranted?

 

[rsbush]

Yes. And find one who is familiar the video business.

 

[sbryan]

Okay, but I still need to know roughly how much to put aside before I sit down with a professional. I work in a writer/editor capacity if that has an effect on the situation. Unfortunately, not video/photo related, though I do pursue my hobbies.

 

[rsbush]

If you're working from home it has a huge effect on the situation.

 

[Paul Hudson]

You can't afford not to have a CPA.

 

[mjmcneese]

There are WAY too many variables for someone on the forum, here, to advise you on even a ball park figure of what you should set aside (expenses, state tax, local tax, your corp status, health care, self-employment tax, on and on and on). Even if this is a one-time gig, you can pay the CPA fee and make sure you're doing it the right way, or you can gamble and get a big surprise.