How does a 1099 contractor pay taxes?
Sophia Vance
Updated on April 12, 2026
The IRS typically requires independent contractors and sole proprietors to pay estimated taxes quarterly using Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals. This “pay-as-you-go” approach helps them avoid a large tax bill at the end of the year.
How much do 1099 employees pay in taxes?
What is the Self-Employment Tax? The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security tax and 2.9% for Medicare). The self-employment tax applies to your adjusted gross income. If you are a high earner, a 0.9% additional Medicare tax may also apply.How do 1099 contractors handle taxes?
Reporting self-employment incomeRemember that an independent contractor is considered to be self-employed, so in effect, you are running your own one-person business. Any income that you earn as an independent contractor must be reported on Schedule C. You'll then pay income taxes on the total profit.
Can you get a tax refund on a 1099?
It is possible to receive a tax refund even if you received a 1099 without paying in any estimated taxes. The 1099-MISC reports income received as an independent contractor or self-employed taxpayer rather than as an employee.What can I deduct as a 1099 contractor?
Top 1099 Tax Deductions
- Mileage.
- Health Insurance Premiums.
- Home Office Deduction.
- Work Supplies.
- Travel.
- Car Expenses.
- Cell Phone Cost.
- Business Insurance.