Your Complete Guide To Self-Employed Hair Stylist Taxes

Ines Zemelman, EA
Ines Zemelman, EA
• 12.04.22 • 5 min read
Your Complete Guide To Self-Employed Hair Stylist Taxes

Small businesses such as self-employed hairstylists enjoy a lot of freedom in running their businesses. However, there are several tax obligations, bookkeeping requirements, and other legal details that the self-employed hairdresser needs to know. 

Those of you who own, operate, or cut and color your own hair as independent contractors may be wondering exactly how the hair salons taxes work. There are several factors that come into play for self-employed hairstylist taxes. How do I file taxes as a hairstylist?

We will discuss important tax tips in this article that will help you prepare your hairstylist tax return so that you will receive the maximum refund possible.

How To File Taxes For A Self-Employed Hairdresser?

There are two ways to file taxes for hairstylists and barbers.

The hair studio withholds taxes from the stylist's pay if the stylist is employed by an hourly wage business. In the event a hairstylist works for their own salon or rents a booth at hair salons, the stylist has to file taxes differently.

Taxes are typically withheld from wages, so if they are withheld, the employee must file their taxes in accordance with their W-2 form. In contrast, self-employed individuals are required to submit tax documentation as business owners who operate their own businesses. A different tax process applies to business owners when preparing their taxes.

What's The Difference Between Being Self-Employed, An Independent Contractor,  And An Employee?

You become self-employed if you own a salon or barbershop. There is less of a clear-cut choice for barbers and stylists who work in these businesses. In order to determine whether you are an employee, you can use a few simple methods.

  • An individual is usually regarded as an independent contractor if they have filled out a Form W-9 and have received a Form 1099-NEC during tax season.
  • The IRS considers you an employee if you completed the W-4 and received the W-2 during tax season.

A portion of employees' paychecks should be withheld for income tax based on federal income tax law. However, independent contractors and business owners who work for themselves are responsible for their own federal income taxes and self-employment taxes. Individuals and independent contractors who are self-employed and work for themselves are required by law to file Form 1040-ES with the IRS on a quarterly basis.

Tax Process for Self-Employed Hair Stylists

You need to pay income tax as well as self-employment tax if you are an independent beauty expert. In addition to Schedule SE, you may also need Form 1040 Schedule C to report your income and losses, and Form 1040-ES to pay the self-employment estimated tax.

Stylists who are self-employed can use tax forms such as form 1040 to do their taxes. To determine whether taxable income was earned during the year, Schedule C must also be completed. The self-employment tax amount is determined by completing Schedule SE.

Various deductions, including those for dependents, are calculated by the IRS using the same form 1040. If the stylist qualifies for earned income credit, his or her self-employment taxes may be covered. The self-employment tax rate and the earned income credit may be lower for stylists under 25 years of age.

Reporting Your Tip Income

The employee is required to report their tip income to their employer in order to claim it on their tax return. In the event that you do not report your tips, your Form W-2 will already reflect their total figure, which you will submit with your tax return.

If you are self-employed, you should report all tips personally received on your tax return.

In the case of online payment services such as PayPal, you would likely receive a 1099-K.In the case of online payment services such as PayPal, you would likely receive a 1099-K. In addition, the IRS receives these forms for the purpose of reporting your income.In addition, the IRS receives these forms for the purpose of reporting your income.

What Write-Offs Does A Hairdresser Claim For Tax Purposes?

Understanding how to get the most out of your business deductions is important. To maximize your tax deductions, here are some tax deductions you can take advantage of:

  1. Supplies such as scissors, combs, blow dryers, etc.
  2. Clothing worn by workers, including aprons and uniforms
  3. Licensing fees for businesses and professionals
  4. Premiums for business insurance
  5. Operational and startup costs
  6. Travel costs
  7. Subscriptions 
  8. Professional development courses
  9. Utility bills and rent
  10.  Charges for telephone and internet usage
  11.  Marketing expenses
  12.  Professional membership fees