Self-employment taxes are an important part of being self-employed. It is essential that you pay your self-employment taxes on time each year. If you are going to pay more than $1000.00 in taxes for the year you are required to pay your taxes on a quarterly basis. If you fail to do this you will be fined. If you are working for someone else and running your own business you may consider increasing your withholdings so that you do not need to pay the quarterly payments. You should talk to an accountant before you do this. You can pay your self-employment taxes by following these easy steps.
First, you need to determine how much you need to pay. You can do this by talking to a tax accountant. The accountant can help you determine how much you will owe based on your past earnings or projected profits. Your self-employment tax rate is 15.3% of your profit. This is in addition to your income tax.
Second, you need to set aside money each month so that you can pay your estimated payment on time each quarter. If this is your first year in business you should set aside at least thirty percent to cover yourself on taxes for the year.
Third, set up your payment. The IRS allows you make the payments online through the site. You may also mail the payments in. If you fail to make the payments, then you will face stiff penalties. Even if you think the amount you will owe is going to be less than the estimated payment, you need to make the estimated payment.
Fourth, use your CPA and follow her advice. This is very important, because she will know things that can help you to decrease the amount that you are taxed on. You may be able to deduct your retirement contributions, your health costs and many of your business expenses. This is an important part of making the most of your money.
Fifth, always pay your estimated payment and taxes due. The IRS can access your money and freeze your accounts. You do not want to deal with the headache of owing them back taxes.
