# Taxes for Contractors: The 2026 Guide for Self-Employed Trades Owners

Self-employed contractors pay federal income tax plus 15.3% self-employment tax on most of their net profit, usually through quarterly estimated payments. State income tax, sales and use tax, and payroll taxes for any employees come on top. Deductions for vehicles, equipment and job costs lower the profit those taxes apply to.

## Key takeaways

- Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net profit, with Social Security capped at a $184,500 wage base in 2026.
- Quarterly estimated payments for tax year 2026 are due April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, Sept. 15, 2026, Jan. 15, 2027.
- In the illustrative example, a single owner with $120,000 of profit owes about $28,462 in federal tax, roughly 24% of profit.
- Your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, S corp) changes how you're taxed, not whether you owe.
- This guide is general information. A CPA or enrolled agent should review your situation.

> **Not tax advice**
>
> This guide explains how federal taxes generally work for self-employed contractors, using figures for tax year 2026 from IRS publications (verified 2026-10-12). It isn't tax, legal or accounting advice, and BRIX doesn't prepare or file tax returns. State rules vary widely. Talk to a CPA or enrolled agent before making decisions.

Taxes catch more trades owners off guard than any other bill. There's no employer withholding anything, so the money sits in your account looking like yours until April shows up. This guide explains what you owe and why, how much to set aside, when to pay, which deductions matter most in the trades, and what changes when you hire. Each rule links to the IRS source, and each topic links to a deeper page.

## 1. What taxes does a self-employed contractor pay?

A self-employed contractor typically pays four kinds of tax: federal income tax, self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), state and sometimes local income tax, and sales or use tax on materials depending on the state. Hire employees and you add payroll taxes. Each has its own rules and deadlines.

**Taxes a contracting business may owe**

| Tax | Who pays | How it's paid | Learn more |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Federal income tax | Owner, on business profit (pass-through) or the corporation | Quarterly estimates, then the annual return | [Quarterly estimated taxes](https://www.brix.so/learn/quarterly-estimated-taxes-for-contractors) |
| Self-employment tax | Sole proprietors, partners and most LLC members | With income tax, on Schedule SE | [Self-employment tax](https://www.brix.so/learn/self-employment-tax) |
| State income tax | Owner or business, depending on the state | State estimates and return | State guides, e.g. [California](https://www.brix.so/taxes/california), [New York](https://www.brix.so/taxes/new-york) |
| Sales and use tax | Varies by state and contract type | State returns | [Sales tax on labor vs. materials](https://www.brix.so/learn/sales-tax-on-labor-vs-materials), [use tax](https://www.brix.so/learn/use-tax-for-contractors) |
| Payroll taxes | Employers, for W-2 employees | Deposits plus quarterly and annual forms | [Payroll taxes](https://www.brix.so/learn/payroll-taxes) |

## 2. How does self-employment tax work?

Self-employment tax is the Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves. Per IRS Topic 554, it's 15.3% in total: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare, figured on 92.35% of your net self-employment earnings. It generally applies once net earnings reach $400.

**Self-employment tax (2026)**

```
SE tax = (Net profit × 0.9235) × 0.124 [up to the wage base] + (Net profit × 0.9235) × 0.029
```

Where:
- Wage base = $184,500 for 2026 (Social Security part only; reduced by any W-2 wages)
- Additional Medicare = 0.9% on combined wages and SE income over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly)

> **Worked example: SE tax on $120,000 of profit**
>
> Net earnings: $120,000 × 92.35% = $110,820.
>
> Social Security: $110,820 × 12.4% = $13,741.68. Medicare: $110,820 × 2.9% = $3,213.78.
>
> Total SE tax: $16,955.46. Half of it, $8,477.73, is deductible when figuring adjusted gross income.

Run your own numbers with the [self-employment tax calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/self-employment-tax-calculator). SE tax surprises new owners because it applies even when income tax is low; it's on top of income tax, not instead of it.

## 3. How much federal tax will you owe in total?

Your total federal tax is income tax on your taxable income plus self-employment tax. Taxable income is profit minus half your SE tax, the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly for 2026) and, for many owners, the qualified business income (QBI) deduction of up to 20%.

> **Worked example: a single HVAC owner, tax year 2026 (illustrative)**
>
> Net profit $120,000, no other income, single filer, standard deduction.
>
> SE tax: $16,955.46. Adjusted gross income: $120,000 − $8,477.73 = $111,522.27.
>
> Taxable income before QBI: $111,522.27 − $16,100 = $95,422.27. QBI deduction: $19,084.45. Taxable income: $76,337.82.
>
> Income tax on the 2026 brackets: $11,506.32 (top bracket 22%).
>
> Total federal tax: $28,461.78, about 23.7% of profit. State income tax would be on top.

The QBI deduction has limits. Above $201,750 of taxable income (single) or $403,500 (married filing jointly) in 2026, wage and property limits phase in; our calculator leaves it out above those levels to stay conservative. See [QBI deduction](https://www.brix.so/learn/qbi-deduction). The [quarterly estimated tax calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/quarterly-estimated-tax-calculator) runs this whole example with your numbers.

Interactive calculator: https://www.brix.so/tools/quarterly-estimated-tax-calculator

## 4. How much should you set aside for taxes?

Set aside a fixed percentage of every customer payment in a separate savings account. Many owners use 25% to 30% of profit as a starting point and adjust once their CPA projects the year. The right share depends on your profit, filing status, state and deductions, so check it against a real estimate.

1. **Open a tax savings account** A separate account at your bank, so tax money is never mistaken for operating cash.
2. **Transfer on a schedule** Move your percentage every week or every time a big payment lands. Small, frequent transfers beat a scramble.
3. **Include state tax** Add your state's rate on top of the federal share if your state has income tax.
4. **Re-check each quarter** Run the quarterly calculator with year-to-date numbers and adjust your percentage.

The [how much to set aside for taxes](https://www.brix.so/learn/how-much-to-set-aside-for-taxes) guide walks through the percentage in more detail, and [cash flow for contractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/cash-flow-for-contractors) shows how tax savings fit into your cash plan.

## 5. When are quarterly estimated taxes due?

For tax year 2026, IRS Form 1040-ES lists estimated payments due April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, Sept. 15, 2026, Jan. 15, 2027. You generally have to pay estimates if you expect to owe $1,000 or more after withholding and credits. Paying late or too little can bring an underpayment penalty.

**2026 estimated tax deadlines (federal)**

| Payment | Due date | Covers income earned |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Q1 | April 15, 2026 | Jan. 1 – Mar. 31 |
| Q2 | June 15, 2026 | Apr. 1 – May 31 |
| Q3 | Sept. 15, 2026 | June 1 – Aug. 31 |
| Q4 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 |

_Source: IRS Form 1040-ES (2026). The January payment can be skipped if you file your 2026 return by Feb. 1, 2027 and pay the full balance. State deadlines vary._

To avoid an underpayment penalty, Form 1040-ES describes safe harbors: pay at least 90% of your 2026 tax, or 100% of the tax on your 2025 return (110% if your 2025 AGI was over $150,000). In our example, the owner's 2025 tax was $24,000, so the prior-year safe harbor is $24,000, or $6,000 a quarter, with about $4,462 still due when filing. Details are in [quarterly estimated taxes for contractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/quarterly-estimated-taxes-for-contractors).

## 6. Which deductions matter most for contractors?

The biggest deductions for most trades businesses are job costs (materials, subcontractors, field labor), vehicles, equipment and tools, insurance, and the everyday costs of running the shop. A deduction lowers the profit that both income tax and SE tax apply to, so good records save real money.

**Major deductions for trades businesses (tax year 2026)**

| Deduction | Key 2026 figure or rule | Learn more |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vehicle: standard mileage | 72.5¢ per mile Jan. 1–June 30, 2026; 76¢ July 1–Dec. 31, 2026 | [Mileage deduction](https://www.brix.so/learn/mileage-deduction-for-contractors), [mileage calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/mileage-deduction-calculator) |
| Section 179 expensing | Up to $2,560,000, phasing out above $4,090,000 placed in service; more than 50% business use | [Section 179](https://www.brix.so/learn/section-179-deduction), [Section 179 calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/section-179-calculator) |
| Bonus depreciation | 100% for qualifying property acquired after Jan. 19, 2025 | [Bonus depreciation](https://www.brix.so/learn/bonus-depreciation), [depreciation](https://www.brix.so/learn/depreciation) |
| Heavy SUVs (6,001–14,000 lb GVWR) | Section 179 capped at $32,000 | [Section 179](https://www.brix.so/learn/section-179-deduction) |
| Home office | Regular and exclusive business use of part of your home | [Home office deduction](https://www.brix.so/learn/home-office-deduction-for-contractors) |
| Travel and per diem | Overnight travel away from your tax home | [Per diem for construction workers](https://www.brix.so/learn/per-diem-for-construction-workers) |
| Job costs and overhead | Materials, subs, insurance, software, marketing, tools | [Contractor tax deductions list](https://www.brix.so/learn/contractor-tax-deductions-list) |

_Figures from IRS Notice 2026-10, Announcement 2026-11, Rev. Proc. 2025-32, Pub. 946 and IRS guidance on bonus depreciation, verified 2026-10-12. You can't use both standard mileage and actual expenses for the same vehicle in the same year._

> **Worked example: what a deduction is worth (illustrative)**
>
> Using the example owner's 22% income tax bracket plus SE tax, an extra $1,000 of deductible expense saves roughly $220 in income tax and about $141 in SE tax ($1,000 × 92.35% × 15.3%), before the small effects on QBI and the SE deduction.
>
> That's real money, but spending $1,000 to save about $360 still leaves you $640 poorer. Buy what the business needs, not for the deduction.

Trucks are the deduction where owners most often get tripped up. Mileage logs are required either way, and the heavy-vehicle rules differ from cars and light trucks. Read [mileage deduction for contractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/mileage-deduction-for-contractors) and [Section 179](https://www.brix.so/learn/section-179-deduction) before you buy, and ask your CPA whether expensing it all this year is wise if you expect higher profit later.

## 7. Sole proprietor, LLC or S corp: how does structure change taxes?

A single-member LLC is taxed like a sole proprietorship by default: all profit flows to your return and is subject to SE tax. An S corporation election lets you pay yourself a reasonable salary through payroll and take the rest as distributions that aren't subject to SE tax, but it adds payroll, a separate return and costs.

**How common structures are taxed (federal, simplified)**

| Structure | Income tax | Social Security and Medicare | Extra work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sole proprietor / single-member LLC | On your Form 1040 (Schedule C) | SE tax on most of the profit | Least paperwork |
| Multi-member LLC (partnership) | Each member's share on their return | SE tax on most members' shares | Partnership return and K-1s |
| LLC or corporation taxed as S corp | Profit passes through to owners | Payroll tax on a reasonable salary; distributions generally not | Payroll, S corp return, reasonable-salary support |
| C corporation | Corporate tax, then tax on dividends | Payroll tax on salary | Separate return; double taxation risk |

_Simplified; see IRS pages on LLCs and S corporations. Your CPA should model your numbers before you elect._

The IRS requires S corp owner-employees to take reasonable compensation for the work they do before taking distributions; see the IRS page on S corporation compensation. Whether the savings beat the added cost depends on your profit. Read [S corp vs. LLC for contractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/s-corp-vs-llc-for-contractors) and [reasonable salary for an S corp](https://www.brix.so/learn/reasonable-salary-s-corp).

## 8. What changes when you hire or use subcontractors?

When you hire W-2 employees, you withhold their income tax and share of FICA, pay the employer share (6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare), pay federal unemployment tax (6.0% on the first $7,000 per employee, usually 0.6% after the state credit) and state unemployment tax. Subcontractors are paid gross and get a 1099-NEC.

- **1099-NEC threshold.** For payments made in 2026, report payments of $2,000 or more to a non-employee, up from $600 (P.L. 119-21, per IRS Pub. 15 and the 1099 instructions). See [1099 for subcontractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/1099-for-subcontractors).
- **Collect a W-9 first.** Get a W-9 before the first payment so you have the sub's taxpayer ID. See [W-9 for subcontractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/w9-for-subcontractors).
- **Classify correctly.** Calling a worker a 1099 sub doesn't make them one. The IRS looks at behavioral control, financial control and the relationship. See [W-2 vs. 1099](https://www.brix.so/learn/w2-vs-1099) and the [1099 vs. W-2 calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/1099-vs-w2-calculator).
- **Budget the true cost of an employee.** Payroll taxes, workers' comp and benefits add up. See [labor burden](https://www.brix.so/learn/labor-burden) and the [payroll cost calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/payroll-cost-calculator).
- **Insurance.** Uninsured subs can end up on your workers' comp audit. See [workers' compensation](https://www.brix.so/learn/workers-compensation) and [certificate of insurance](https://www.brix.so/learn/certificate-of-insurance).

Payroll tax deposits and filings run on their own schedule (deposits, quarterly Form 941, annual Form 940 and W-2s). Most small shops use a payroll service. See [payroll taxes](https://www.brix.so/learn/payroll-taxes) and the [hire and pay technicians guide](https://www.brix.so/guides/hire-and-pay-technicians).

## 9. Sales tax, use tax and state taxes

Sales tax for contractors depends on your state and on how the job is structured. In some states, a contractor installing materials into real property pays sales or use tax on the materials and doesn't charge the customer tax; in others, labor or certain services are taxable too. Check your state revenue department's contractor guidance.

Use tax applies when you buy materials without paying sales tax, for example out of state or online, and use them in your state. State income tax ranges from none to significant, and some cities add their own. Start with [sales tax on labor vs. materials](https://www.brix.so/learn/sales-tax-on-labor-vs-materials), [use tax for contractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/use-tax-for-contractors) and your state guide, such as [Texas](https://www.brix.so/taxes/texas), [Florida](https://www.brix.so/taxes/florida), [California](https://www.brix.so/taxes/california), [New York](https://www.brix.so/taxes/new-york), [Pennsylvania](https://www.brix.so/taxes/pennsylvania), [Ohio](https://www.brix.so/taxes/ohio), [Georgia](https://www.brix.so/taxes/georgia) or [North Carolina](https://www.brix.so/taxes/north-carolina).

## 10. Tax issues by trade

Every trade pays the same federal taxes, but each has its own pressure points: big equipment purchases, travel to job sites, materials-heavy jobs that trigger sales tax questions, or seasonal income that makes quarterly payments lumpy.

**Common tax pressure points by trade**

| Trade | Watch for | Related page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HVAC | Equipment and van purchases; prepaid maintenance plan income timing | [Section 179](https://www.brix.so/learn/section-179-deduction) |
| Plumbing | Truck stock and materials; sales tax on parts in some states | [Sales tax on labor vs. materials](https://www.brix.so/learn/sales-tax-on-labor-vs-materials) |
| Electrical | Licensed employees and payroll taxes; commercial retainage timing | [Payroll taxes](https://www.brix.so/learn/payroll-taxes) |
| Roofing | Seasonal income swings; subcontractor crews and 1099s | [1099 for subcontractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/1099-for-subcontractors) |
| General contracting | Long jobs and accounting method; use tax on materials | [Percentage of completion](https://www.brix.so/learn/percentage-of-completion) |
| Landscaping | Heavy equipment; seasonal workers; travel between sites | [Bonus depreciation](https://www.brix.so/learn/bonus-depreciation) |
| Cleaning | Worker classification; mileage between clients | [W-2 vs. 1099](https://www.brix.so/learn/w2-vs-1099) |

Trade bookkeeping pages cover more: [roofing](https://www.brix.so/for/roofing/bookkeeping), [general contractors](https://www.brix.so/for/general-contractor/bookkeeping) and [landscaping](https://www.brix.so/for/landscaping/bookkeeping).

## 11. Records that keep you audit-ready

Keep records that prove every number on your return: income by invoice, receipts for expenses, mileage logs, asset purchase documents, payroll records, W-9s and 1099s. Clean books also make your CPA's job faster and cheaper. The IRS generally expects you to keep records that support items on your return as long as they may matter.

- Use one business bank account and one business card.
- Snap and attach receipts to transactions as you go.
- Keep a contemporaneous mileage log (an app works).
- Store bills of sale for trucks and equipment with the date placed in service.
- Reconcile your books monthly. See the [bookkeeping checklist for contractors](https://www.brix.so/learn/bookkeeping-checklist-for-contractors).
- Set up QuickBooks properly from the start. See the [QuickBooks setup guide](https://www.brix.so/guides/quickbooks-setup-for-contractors).

## Contractor tax calendar checklist

- April 15, 2026: Q1 2026 estimated payment; 2025 return due (or extension).
- June 15, 2026: Q2 estimated payment.
- Sept. 15, 2026: Q3 estimated payment.
- Jan. 15, 2027: Q4 estimated payment.
- Every pay period: payroll tax deposits if you have employees.
- Quarterly: payroll Form 941 and state payroll filings; state sales tax returns on your state's schedule.
- January: send 1099-NEC forms to subs paid above the threshold; W-2s to employees.
- Monthly: move tax savings, reconcile books, review profit vs. plan.
- Year end: review equipment purchases and entity choice with your CPA before Dec. 31.

## Common contractor tax mistakes

- **Forgetting SE tax.** Owners who budget only for income tax come up short by thousands.
- **Skipping quarterly payments.** The bill doesn't shrink, and penalties can be added.
- **Mixing personal and business money.** It hides deductions and invites questions.
- **Buying a truck in December just for the deduction.** It saves a share of the price, not the whole price.
- **Misclassifying workers.** Back payroll taxes and penalties can dwarf the savings.
- **Waiting until April to talk to a CPA.** The planning moves happen before Dec. 31.

BRIX keeps your invoices, payments and expenses organized and synced to QuickBooks so your books stay tax-ready and your accountant has clean numbers. BRIX doesn't prepare or file returns or give tax advice.

- [Bookkeeping and tax help](https://www.brix.so/features/bookkeeping-taxes): Keeps expenses categorized, tracks 1099 subcontractors and sales tax, and reminds you of quarterly estimated tax dates. BRIX does not file taxes or give tax advice.
- [QuickBooks sync](https://www.brix.so/integrations/quickbooks): Syncs customers, invoices and payments with QuickBooks so the books match the jobs.
- [Invoicing and payments](https://www.brix.so/features/invoicing-payments): Turns finished jobs into invoices and politely chases unpaid ones until the money is in your account.

### Tax calculators and guides

- [Quarterly estimated tax calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/quarterly-estimated-tax-calculator): Your 2026 estimate and safe harbor.
- [Self-employment tax calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/self-employment-tax-calculator): SE tax on your profit.
- [Mileage deduction calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/mileage-deduction-calculator): 2026 rates, both halves of the year.
- [Section 179 calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/section-179-calculator): Expensing trucks and equipment.
- [Contractor tax deductions list](https://www.brix.so/learn/contractor-tax-deductions-list): What you can write off.
- [S corp vs. LLC](https://www.brix.so/learn/s-corp-vs-llc-for-contractors): When an election may pay.
- [Bookkeeping and taxes](https://www.brix.so/features/bookkeeping-taxes): How BRIX keeps books tax-ready.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do taxes work for self-employed contractors?

You pay federal income tax on your business profit plus 15.3% self-employment tax on 92.35% of it, usually through four quarterly estimated payments. State income tax and any sales, use or payroll taxes are separate. Deductions for business costs reduce the profit both taxes apply to.

### What percentage should a contractor set aside for taxes?

Many owners start with 25% to 30% of profit and adjust once a CPA projects the year. In our illustrative 2026 example, a single owner with $120,000 of profit owed about 24% in federal tax before state tax. Your share depends on profit, filing status, state and deductions.

### Do I have to pay quarterly taxes as a contractor?

Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more after withholding and credits. For 2026 the federal due dates are April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, Sept. 15, 2026, Jan. 15, 2027. Paying at least the safe-harbor amount helps you avoid an underpayment penalty.

### What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?

15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare, applied to 92.35% of net self-employment earnings. The Social Security part stops at the $184,500 wage base for 2026. Half of SE tax is deductible.

### Can I deduct my work truck?

Usually, in proportion to business use. You can use the standard mileage rate (72.5¢ a mile for the first half of 2026 and 76¢ for the second half) or actual expenses with depreciation. Section 179 and bonus depreciation can let you deduct much of a qualifying truck's cost in the first year, with limits for cars and SUVs.

### Does an S corp save contractors money on taxes?

It can, once profit is high enough that the payroll tax saved on distributions outweighs the added payroll, return preparation and state costs. You must pay yourself a reasonable salary first. Have a CPA model your numbers before electing.

### When do I need to send a 1099 to a subcontractor?

For payments made in 2026, generally when you pay a non-employee $2,000 or more for services in the year, up from the old $600 threshold. Collect a W-9 before the first payment. Payments to corporations are often exempt, but check the 1099 instructions.

### Does BRIX file my taxes?

No. BRIX keeps invoices, payments and expenses organized and synced to QuickBooks so your books are ready for your accountant. It doesn't prepare or file returns or give tax advice; work with a CPA or enrolled agent for that.

## Related

- [Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator for Self-Employed Contractors (2026)](https://www.brix.so/tools/quarterly-estimated-tax-calculator)
- [Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Contractors: How They Work in 2026](https://www.brix.so/learn/quarterly-estimated-taxes-for-contractors)
- [What Is Self-Employment Tax?](https://www.brix.so/learn/self-employment-tax)
- [Contractor Tax Deductions: The Complete List for 2026](https://www.brix.so/learn/contractor-tax-deductions-list)
- [How Much Should You Set Aside for Taxes When You're Self-Employed?](https://www.brix.so/learn/how-much-to-set-aside-for-taxes)
- [S Corp vs. LLC for Contractors: Which Is Better?](https://www.brix.so/learn/s-corp-vs-llc-for-contractors)
- [What Is the Section 179 Deduction?](https://www.brix.so/learn/section-179-deduction)
- [Bookkeeping for contractors that keeps your books tax-ready all year](https://www.brix.so/features/bookkeeping-taxes)
- [How to Set Up QuickBooks for a Contracting Business](https://www.brix.so/guides/quickbooks-setup-for-contractors)
- [Self-Employment Tax Calculator (2026)](https://www.brix.so/tools/self-employment-tax-calculator)

## Sources

- [IRS Topic No. 554, Self-Employment Tax](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc554) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Topic No. 560, Additional Medicare Tax](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc560) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Topic No. 751, Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc751) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Topic No. 759, Form 940, Employer's Annual FUTA Tax Return](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc759) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide, for use in 2026](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Form 1040-ES (2026), Estimated Tax for Individuals](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040es.pdf) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, 2026 inflation adjustments](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-25-32.pdf) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS news release IR-2025-128 and Notice 2026-10, 2026 standard mileage rates](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-sets-2026-business-standard-mileage-rate-at-725-cents-per-mile-up-25-cents) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Announcement 2026-11 (Internal Revenue Bulletin 2026-29), revised 2026 mileage rates](https://www.irs.gov/irb/2026-29_irb) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Publication 946, How To Depreciate Property](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p946) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS news release IR-2026-06 and Notice 2026-11, 100% additional first-year depreciation](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-issue-guidance-on-the-additional-first-year-depreciation-deduction-amended-as-part-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS, Qualified business income deduction](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/qualified-business-income-deduction) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1099mec.pdf) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS, Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS, S corporation compensation and medical insurance issues](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporation-compensation-and-medical-insurance-issues) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS, Limited liability company (LLC)](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc) (checked 2026-10-12)
- [IRS, S corporations](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations) (checked 2026-10-12)

---
Written by BRIX Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-19. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Canonical: https://www.brix.so/guides/contractor-taxes
