02/06/2026
Consider this!
If you are paid on a 1099, your income is gross. Full stop.
If you are not on a W-2 and not considered an employee, no taxes are withheld from your payments.
That means:
• You invoice $3,000
• You receive $3,000
• Nothing is set aside for federal or state taxes
The responsibility to pay taxes is entirely yours.
This is why tax planning matters more for 1099 earners than almost anyone else.
Unlike W-2 employees, you are expected to:
• Track income throughout the year
• Evaluate your tax exposure regularly
• Pay estimated taxes quarterly to the IRS and your state
• Avoid surprises and penalties later
If you wait until year-end to think about taxes, the risk is simple:
The cash is often already spent.
And when returns are prepared, if your tax liability is high (for example, over $1,000 federally), penalties and interest can apply on top of the tax owed.
This is not about overcomplicating things.
It is about starting early and checking in quarterly so taxes are planned, not reactive.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is control.
This post is meant to educate and support.
If you want help setting up a simple planning rhythm or reviewing your numbers, reach out.
All Seasons Consulting
Georgeta P