IndieVaults resources
Tax and retirement guides for independent contractors
Practical explanations of business tax planning and retirement options for self-employed professionals. Information is educational and should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
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Health Savings Accounts for 1099 Contractors: The Triple Tax Break (2026)
How an HSA works for 1099 contractors in 2026: no tax in, tax-free growth, tax-free medical withdrawals, $4,400/$8,750 limits, and Illinois rules.
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LLC vs. S-Corp for 1099 Contractors
LLC vs. S-Corp for 1099 contractors: taxes, payroll, retirement, and admin compared side by side, plus an illustrative break-even and Illinois notes.
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Quarterly Estimated Taxes for 1099 Contractors: 2026 Due Dates, Safe Harbor, and Illinois Rules
2026 Form 1040-ES due dates, the $1,000 rule, 90%/110% safe harbor, Form 2210 penalty, S-Corp withholding, and Illinois IL-1040-ES for 1099 earners.
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S-Corp Election for Independent Contractors
How 1099 contractors elect S-Corp status: Form 2553 deadlines, late-election relief, reasonable salary, added costs, and when the election can pay off.
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Self-Employment Tax: How It Works and How to Reduce It Legally
How the 15.3% self-employment tax works in 2026, the $184,500 Social Security wage base, legal ways to lower it, and popular tactics that don't work.
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Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026
2026 Solo 401(k) limits: $24,500 deferral, $8,000 catch-up ($11,250 at ages 60-63), 25% employer contribution, $72,000 total. S-Corp example inside.
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Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA for Self-Employed Owners
Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA for 2026: $24,500 deferral and $72,000 total vs. 25% employer-only SEP, Roth options, backdoor Roth pro-rata rule, and admin.
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