By BILL SPANIEL
California Society Of CPAs
Are you your own boss? A growing portion of the working population is now part of what’s called the gig economy, people who make a living doing freelance or contract work and who don’t have just one full-time employer.
The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA.org) offers these tips on how to navigate this new way of working.
Consider the Advantages
Working as an independent contractor or in a similar situation has many benefits, including the ability to set your own hours, choose the assignments you want and possibly increase your income, depending on how much work you’re willing or able to take on. It can be a boon for those who need more flexibility in their lives due to personal obligations or who relish the chance to run their own show or take on new opportunities.
Be Prepared for Income Uncertainty
You should be aware of the risks and challenges that the gig economy poses for workers, as well. Most important, it can be difficult to accurately estimate how much you will make, especially as you’re getting started. Your income may continue to fluctuate unpredictably, making it tough to make ends meet at times.
To offset that risk, build up an emergency fund, equal to six months or more of expenses, before you leave a staff job or early in your freelance career. That way you’ll still be able to pay your bills during lean times. And be sure to set a realistic budget and stick to it.
If you’re stretched one month, find ways to cut back, or dip into your emergency fund if absolutely necessary, but replenish it as soon as possible so that the money is there when you need it.
Factor in the Cost of Benefits
When you’re budgeting for life as an independent contractor, don’t forget the cost of health insurance benefits and retirement fund contributions. While an employer might have covered some or all of these expenses in the past, you’ll now have to foot the bill alone, and the price may be significant.
Also remember that there will be no more paid vacations or other paid time off. To maintain a steady income, you may have to blur the lines between work and downtime.
Get Your Taxes in Order
Companies withhold and submit income tax payments for their workers, but when you’re independent you must pay your own estimated federal and state taxes once a quarter.
Figuring out how much you owe each time involves calculating what you’ve earned, assessing any deductions you might have against that income and determining how much you need to pay to cover income taxes as well as any Social Security and Medicare taxes that are also due.
To ensure you’ll be able to cover your tax bill each quarter, set up your own withholding system in which you set aside tax money out of each check you receive for work you’ve done.
Your CPA can help you calculate your estimated payments and plan how to save for them.
Make New Connections
Working on your own can isolate you from the kinds of social or business connections that are typical in a more traditional work environment. Possible solutions include creating a networking group made up of other independent workers in your field or using co-working spaces that offer shared office areas for use by freelancers.
Your CPA Can Help
No matter what your employment situation, your local CPA can offer the tax and financial planning advice you need to make the most of your hard-earned income. Turn to him or her with all your financial questions. Visit CalCPA.org/findacpa to find one near you.
The Money Management columns are a joint effort of the AICPA and the California Society of CPAs as part of the profession’s nationwide 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy program. To listen to podcasts with more financial tips, go to http://tinyurl.com/calcpafinem.
