W2 vs 1099 Tax Guides
Practical guides for contractors and employees navigating taxes, rates, and take-home pay.
The Right Premium to Charge as a 1099 Contractor Compared to a W2 Salary
As a 1099 independent contractor, you usually need to charge substantially more than the equivalent W2 hourly rate to take home the same net pay. The exact premium depends on your self-employment tax burden, the benefits you are giving up, unpaid downtime between contracts, and your business overhead costs.
All Articles
April 1, 2026
The Complete Guide to W2 vs 1099 Income in 2026
Everything you need to know about the difference between W2 employee and 1099 contractor status, including taxes, benefits, and which is better for your situation.
Read more →April 5, 2026
Self-Employment Tax Explained: What Every 1099 Contractor Must Know
The 15.3% self-employment tax is the biggest shock for new contractors. Here's exactly how it works, what you can deduct, and how to plan for it.
Read more →April 10, 2026
How Much More Should You Charge as a 1099 Contractor?
The definitive formula for calculating your minimum contractor rate based on your W2 salary, state, and benefits package.
Read more →April 12, 2026
W2 vs 1099 Calculator by State: Which States Are Best for Contractors?
A state-by-state breakdown of how state income taxes affect the W2 vs 1099 comparison, with rankings from best to worst for contractors.
Read more →April 15, 2026
5 Common 1099 Tax Mistakes That Cost Contractors Thousands
From missing the QBI deduction to skipping quarterly estimated taxes, these errors are expensive and avoidable.
Read more →Ready to Run Your Own Numbers?
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