Independent Professional Blog

Navigating taxes, benefits, and business strategy for the modern 1099 worker.

W2 to 1099 Converter: Find Your Contract Rate

2026-06-15

Need a W2 to 1099 converter to compare your salary to a contract offer? Learn the exact formula, see real examples at $50K, $75K, $100K, and $150K, and discover why most contractors leave money on the table by using the wrong multiplier.

Read More β†’

W2 or 1099 Calculator: Which Should You Use?

2026-06-15

Trying to figure out whether you need a W2 or 1099 calculator β€” or both? This guide explains exactly when to use each type of calculator, how the numbers differ, and how to compare your real take-home pay across employment types in 2026.

Read More β†’

How the OBBBA Changes 1099 vs W2 Taxes

2026-06-11

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changed key tax provisions affecting contractors and employees. Learn how the new QBI deduction rules, bracket shifts, and SALT cap changes impact your 1099 vs W2 comparison in 2026.

Read More β†’

Maximizing the QBI Deduction for 1099 Contractors

2026-06-04

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is one of the most powerful tax benefits for 1099 contractors β€” but most freelancers either miss it or leave money on the table. Learn exactly how it works, who qualifies, and how to maximize it in 2026.

Read More β†’

How to File Taxes as a 1099 Contractor: A Guide

2026-06-03

Received your first 1099-NEC and not sure what to do next? This step-by-step guide covers everything first-time 1099 contractors need to know about filing taxes in 2026 β€” from tracking expenses to filing Schedule C and making quarterly payments.

Read More β†’

Health Insurance Deduction for Self-Employed

2026-06-05

Health insurance is often the biggest single expense for 1099 contractors. Learn how the self-employed health insurance deduction works, who qualifies, what plans are eligible, and how it can save you thousands on your 2026 taxes.

Read More β†’

Best and Worst States for 1099 Contractor Taxes

2026-06-03

State taxes can cost freelancers thousands every yearβ€”or nothing at all. We ranked all 50 states for 1099 contractors, comparing income tax rates, self-employment tax treatment, and cost of living to find where freelancers keep the most take-home pay.

Read More β†’

First Time Filing Taxes as a 1099 Contractor?

2026-06-06

Never filed taxes as a 1099 contractor before? This step-by-step guide walks you through every form, every deadline, and every deduction you need to know β€” from the moment you receive your first 1099-NEC to filing your return in 2026.

Read More β†’

Convert W2 to 1099 Calculator: Find Your Contract Rate

2026-06-01

Thinking about leaving your W2 job for 1099 contract work? A convert W2 to 1099 calculator helps you find the contract hourly rate that truly matches your current salary β€” accounting for self-employment tax, lost benefits, unpaid time off, and business expenses. Stop guessing and start negotiating with real numbers for 2026.

Read More β†’

1099 Hourly Rate Calculator: How to Set Your Rate

2026-06-01

Setting your 1099 hourly rate is the most important financial decision you will make as a contractor. Learn how a 1099 hourly rate calculator works, what factors to include, and how to price your services so you never leave money on the table in 2026.

Read More β†’

Related Calculators

πŸ“§ Free: The 1099 vs W-2 Decision Checklist (PDF)

The 1.3–1.4x rate-conversion rule, the hidden costs new contractors forget, and the four dealbreakers β€” plus tax-deadline reminders by email. No spam, one click to leave.

Double opt-in: you'll get a confirmation email first. Unsubscribe anytime.