Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants

Be your own boss – easily, efficiently and successfully – with this bestseller!

Whether you're an independent contractor, freelancer, or consultant, it all adds up to the same thing: You need to be more aware of laws and taxes than the average person.

Fortunately, Working for Yourself provides all the information you need to stay on top of it all. An independent contractor himself, Stephen Fishman shows you everything you need to know to:
meet business start-up requirements pick a business structure set up home or outside offices obtain permits and licenses price your services or products comply with strict IRS rules establish sound business relationships avoid unfair contracts draft good agreements keep good records get paid in full and on time and much, much more The 7th edition is completely revised to provide the up-to-date information you need, including the most current tax rates and changes in the law. Whether you already work for yourself or are thinking about making the move, Working for Yourself will help make sure you do it right. List of Forms Asset Log Expense Journal Income Journal Invoice General Independent Contractor Agreement Contract Amendment Nondisclosure AgreementSummary: Very Helpful BookRating: 5I purchased the book since my employer explained that I will become an independent contractor for 2007. The book explained everything about being a contractor and how to stay in line with paying the taxes, how to protect my self employed status, what deductions I can take, and what forms and agreements I should use. I found it very informative and would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the world of self employment. Summary: All the legal tips, tricks and traps explainedRating: 5Plenty of books impart the basics of how to work independently - but too few include all the legal tips, tricks and traps involved. WORKING FOR YOURSELF: LAW & TAXES FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, FREELANCERS & CONSULTANTS covers everything from setting appropriate fees and understanding how and when taxes are paid to limiting liability and getting paid. Record-keeping processes are simplified with sample logs and entry advice, chapters on how the IRS defines an independent contractor versus a paid employee are essential keys to keeping independent status, and advice on pricing and insurance offer key strategy-oriented tips and approaches. A 'must' for any who would work independently. Summary: Great straghtforward information and adviceRating: 4I recently a started an S corp for my software contracting. The book is helpful and worth the price. It won't answer EVERY question you will have, but you probably should talk to a CPA for those anyway.Summary: Another Nolo Press WinnerRating: 5My husband is an independent photographer, so the Nolo Press books are great for him, geared as they are to all those wishing to handle all the paperwork for themselves, instead of the usual array of lawyers, accountants, etc. He keeps it as a reference book and can easily turn to whatever subject he needs more information on. Well-written and easy to understand, as are all Nolo books, these books are wonderful to review periodically.Summary: Straighforward intro to the legal aspects of freelancingRating: 5A potential employer asked that I incorporate my freelancing business before they start sending me jobs. I wanted to do some research on the pros/cons of incorporating, what kind of start-ups costs this would entail, and what kind of corporation I should be. At first, the whole process of incorporating sounded like a huge money burden on my part–with filing fees and taxes–but this book has helped me sort out the issues and provided detailed information about the different ways to incorporate–sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corps. Although I haven't yet decided which path I will take, this book has made the jump to freelancing, and self-incorporating, less scary. Not only do I understand my choices better, but I also now understand the different structures for businesses and their tax responsibilities. Great distillation of information! The copies of tax forms in the back are also a great reference. Highly recommended.