North Carolina freelancers and independent contractors can benefit from a simplified payroll calculation system. As of now, the North Carolina Department of Revenue has established rules for freelancers to follow regarding tax obligations.
State Tax Requirements
The North Carolina Department of Revenue treats freelancers as businesses, which means they must report freelance income and pay taxes quarterly.
They must also submit Form NC-4, which is used to determine an individual's tax liability.
Federal Tax Obligations
In addition to state taxes, freelancers must also comply with federal tax requirements. This includes paying self-employment tax on net earnings from self-employment, which is 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare.
As a result, freelancers must also file Form 1040 and Schedule C, which reports business income and expenses.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
To stay in compliance with tax laws and avoid penalties, freelancers should make quarterly estimated tax payments. Payments are due on April 15th for Q1, June 15th for Q2, September 15th for Q3, and January 15th of the following year for Q4.
