Who is this article for?
Individuals starting as independent contractors or starting their own business and need guidance on what to file with the IRS and what to file with their state.
An independent contractor can be a sole proprietor, a freelancer with an incorporated business, a professional with a Limited Liability Partnership, or a corporation. The "independent" in the independent contractor defines the contractor as a non-employee and independent of the company where they're doing contracted work.
Below are the various forms and filings needed at the federal (for the IRS) and state level based on the most common types of entities in the US for independent contractors. We strongly advise you to seek advice from a tax professional before filing and for assistance in filing your taxes.
The IRS offers electronic filing options as well as the IRS Free File for federal individual income tax returns. Take note of the type of business you've established to determine whether you will file taxes with your personal income or separately.
For additional steps on starting your business outside of federal and state filings, see our Independent Contractor Start Guide.
Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietors do not have their business as a separate legal entity; therefore, taxes for the business are part of their personal tax returns.
IRS
- Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
- Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals
- Schedule C - Profit or Loss from Business
- Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax
- Net earnings of $400 or more
State
- Business license or permit, if required by your state
- Property taxes, if you own real estate, land, or any business property
- Sales and excise taxes if you provide taxable products and services
The above filings need to be completed simultaneously as your personal tax returns. This means you must file by April 15 and then make quarterly payments in June, September, and January.
Single-member LLC (Disregarded entity)
A single-member LLC not elected to become a corporation is considered a disregarded entity. This means the LLC is not separate from the owner, like a sole proprietor.
IRS
- Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
- Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals
- Schedule C - Profit or Loss from Business
- Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax
- Net earnings of $400 or more
State
- Annual Report with the Secretary of State, if required
- Property taxes, if you own real estate, land, or any business property
- Sales and excise taxes if you provide taxable products and services
Single-member LLC (Corporation)
If you choose to elect your single-member LLC into a corporation, you must file a separate return for the corporation and not file your business taxes with your personal return.
You must file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election when setting up your LLC.
IRS
- Form 1120, US Corporation Income Tax Return
- Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations
State
- File articles of amendment if there are any changes to the LLC
- Property taxes, if you own real estate, land, or any business property
- Sales and excise taxes, if you provide taxable products and services
- Check with your state for other filing requirements