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What gig workers need to know about taxes

February 10, 2021 By Liz Weston

If you became a gig worker during the pandemic, beware: Your taxes just got more complicated.

Gig work — Uber driving, Instacart shopping, Amazon Flex delivery and so on — is on-demand, freelance work that’s typically taxed as self-employment. Instead of having an employer withhold money from your paycheck, you’re an independent contractor who is expected to pay taxes on your gig income as you earn it. You’ll also owe a larger share of your pay to Social Security and Medicare taxes.

On the plus side, you may have more opportunities to deduct your expenses and save for retirement than you do as a W-2 employee.

In my latest for the Associated Press, unraveling the mysteries of gig worker taxes.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: gig workers, side hustle, Taxes

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

May 20, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 0% intro APR credit cards can help in a crisis, but mind the details. Also in the news: A look at metro home affordability for first time buyers, how to find the right credit card for your side hustles, and how to stretch your money while you’re unemployed.

0% Intro APR Credit Cards Help in a Crisis, but Mind the Details
That 0% can be more complicated than you’d think.

First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q1 2020
What the market was like before the pandemic.

Side Hustle Much? You Might Have the Wrong Credit Card
Finding the right card for the gig economy.

Ways to Stretch Your Unemployment Benefits
Making your benefits last.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 0% intro APR, Credit Cards, first-time home buyers, gig economy, side hustle, tips, unemployment benefits

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

January 3, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 3 ways a separate credit card could soup up your side hustle. Also in the news: Travel insurance and winter weather woes, exercise options besides an annual gym membership, and 15 money moves to make in 2019.

3 Ways a Separate Credit Card Could Soup Up Your Side Hustle
Double-dip on rewards.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Winter Weather Woes?
What to know before you book.

Exercise Options Besides an Annual Gym Membership
Cheaper alternatives.

15 money moves to make in 2019
Spending less and saving more.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, exercising, money moves, side hustle, travel insurance, winter weather

Monday’s need-to-know money news

January 8, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 7 questions to ask before you hire a tax professional. Also in the news: The security of your hotel’s mobile room key, side hustles you can start with no money, and how to pay off student debt while still saving and investing.

7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Tax Professional
Asking the important questions.

How Secure Is Your Hotel’s Mobile Room Key?
Risking safety for convenience?

Side Hustles You Can Start With No Money
No investment necessary.

How to Pay Off Student Loan Debt While Still Saving and Investing
Paying for the past, planning for the future.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: digital keys, extra job, hotels, Investing, mobile keys, Savings, side hustle, student debt, Student Loans, tax professionals, Taxes, tips

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