Form 1040-SS - Self-Employment Tax Return
Form 1040-SS is a tax form used by self-employed individuals who earn income from sources other than wages or salaries, specifically for those living in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. This form is essential for reporting self-employment income and calculating the self-employment tax owed.
Purpose of Form 1040-SS
- Self-Employment Tax Calculation: The primary purpose of Form 1040-SS is to calculate the self-employment tax, which includes Social Security and Medicare taxes for individuals who work for themselves. Self-employed individuals need to report their net earnings if they exceed $400.
- Filing Income Tax Returns: While Form 1040-SS specifically addresses self-employment tax, it is often filed alongside other forms (like Form 1040) to report total income and calculate overall tax liability.
- Specific to U.S. Territories: This form is tailored for residents of U.S. territories who are not required to file Form 1040. Instead, they use Form 1040-SS to ensure compliance with federal tax obligations.
Key Sections of Form 1040-SS
- Identification Information: Basic information such as name, address, and Social Security number.
- Income Reporting: A section to report net earnings from self-employment.
- Tax Calculation: Calculation of self-employment tax based on reported earnings.
- Payment Information: Details on how to pay any taxes owed, including options for estimated tax payments.
Filing Requirements
To file Form 1040-SS, individuals must meet specific criteria, including:
- Being self-employed with net earnings of at least $400.
- Residing in a U.S. territory.
- Not being classified as an employee for the income earned.