I am an independent contractor for the state of florida. How do I know what percentage to take out of each check for taxes? I'd like to set aside the tax now so I don't have to figure it out when the time comes to file. Please help!
2006-10-20 10:17:48 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
This is a more complex question than can be answered here. It totally depends on your total income (from all sources, other jobs, interest, etc) and if you are married, his income too.
The bare minimum will be 15.3% for FICA/Medicare (welcome to the wonderful world of the self employed), then fed which depends on the above, then state and local if you have it. I generally figure the feds will get 28% of my net (amount of money paid minus legitimate expenses) and then around 6 or 7% for state taxes.
The only way you can know for sure is to go see a tax professional, this is their slow season and I'm sure you could find one to sit down with you for a small fee.
Taxes suck
2006-10-20 10:27:47 · answer #1 · answered by Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gem is right. The 15.3% for FICA is certain. Now, when you filed last year did your preparer give you a sheet which showed your effective rate of tax? If little has changed (both in terms of income and deductions/credits) then apply that rate to your anticipated income.
You should already have been making payments and I concur with Gem - get yourself to an accountant.
As for penalties, the safe harbor rules mean that you must pay 90% of your 2005 total tax (before withholdings) to avoid penalties. Unless the liability is under $1,000 in which case you have no issues.
Get to an accountant, sort out your estimates and aim to file by April 15th, or at least have a good estimate of what is due then so that you do not incur interest and late payment penalties.
2006-10-20 12:21:22 · answer #2 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is illegal. Interesting that a lawyer wants to do this. You will not be a contractor, you will be an employee. The definition of employee is set by the IRS and includes things like your time being controlled by your employer etc. Your family "friend" is trying to get out of paying his share of FICA and Medicare. As a contractor, you have to pay the full FICA and Medicare, 15.3% as opposed to 7.15%. You will need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.
2016-03-28 02:44:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋