Taxes as an independent contractor

[justin]

I've recently been hired by one of the big blogging networks as a writer, and I will be treated as an independent contractor. I have filled out my W9, but other than that I'm unsure of what to do regarding taxes. I'd love to either get some first-hand advice, or possibly some links to reputable websites which lay out options for someone in my situation in a clear, easy-to-understand way. IRS websites and forms are cryptic to my tax-retardant mind.

I'd also love to find out more information on what I will be able to "write off" as a business expense, as I will be working from home.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

P.S. I live in the USA!

[Doku]

If you go to a tax prep place now, long before the "tax rush", they will likely be willing to consult you on the exact question that you just asked here... for free. And you'll likely get much better info than asking here, because they will know the local laws. Also, if you go now, you'll likely get someone who does this full time, and not a seasonal worker.

That being said, I tend to trust Nolo Press for their info on business law.

Taxes and contract law vary from state to state, so I would suggest that you walk into your local Barnes and Noble and go to the business section. In there, there should be a section on being an independant contractor. Within that, there should be a small section of Nolo Press books. (tall thin workbook like books)

Another good source of information is to find a local tax prep guy, and see if they have forms for independant contractors. (The place that I go has forms that are basically checklists for things that you can deduct for being an independant contractor.) I believe my guy is an affiliate of Jackson Hewitt. Also consider having them prepare your taxes. The guy that does my taxes is a tax attourney. It costs me about 300 per year to have him do my taxes, and his fees are a tax write-off as well... and if there's a problem, he's an attourney as well, not some seasonal/temp worker that took a two day tax class like some of the other companies.

--Curt