Freelancer and Gig Worker Tax Foundations: Self-Employment, 1099s, and What Changes

Self-employed taxpayers face a different tax landscape than W-2 employees, with additional responsibilities and additional opportunities. Understanding self-employment tax, 1099 forms, and quarterly estimated payments is essential for any freelancer or gig worker. This course gives you a calm, structured introduction. You will learn the basic structure of self-employment taxation, the role of 1099 forms, and how quarterly estimated payments work. The course stays grounded in widely used principles and respects that specific rules vary by situation. What you'll learn: - Understand self-employment tax including Social Security and Medicare for self-employed people - Recognize 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms and what they report - Read the structure of Schedule C for reporting self-employment income and expenses - Identify quarterly estimated tax payments including timing and calculation - Apply principles for documenting income and expenses from the first paid project - Distinguish informational guidance from individualized advice for actual filing The course begins with self-employment tax, moves through 1099 forms, Schedule C, quarterly payments, documentation principles, and closes with the line between information and individualized advice. Written exercises help you assess your tax situation. This course is designed for absolute beginners entering freelance or gig work, including side hustlers, full-time freelancers, and adults considering self-employment. No prior tax background is required. The course is informational and does not provide individualized advice; self-employment tax situations can be complex and benefit from consultation with qualified tax professionals, especially in the first year of self-employment when many decisions affect future treatment.