Appendix H: Important Information on Filing Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states that you must pay self-employment tax and file Schedule SE (Form 1040) if either of the following applies:

Why Pay Self-Employment Taxes?

Social Security benefits are available to individuals who are self-employed, just as they are to wage earners. Your payments of self-employment taxes add to your coverage under Social Security. By not reporting all of your self-employment income, you could cause Social Security benefits to be lower when you retire. Social Security coverage provides you with retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and hospital insurance (Medicare) benefits.

How Do I Become Insured under Social Security?

You must be insured under the Social Security system before you get Social Security benefits. You are insured if you have the required number of credits (also called quarters of coverage). It does not matter whether the income is earned in one quarter or is spread over two or more quarters.

To learn more about how many credits you need to be insured and the benefits available to you and your family under the Social Security program, consult your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

            NOTE:  Making false statements to get or to increase Social Security benefits may subject you to penalties.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Time Limit for Posting Self-Employment Income

Generally, the SSA will give you credit only for self-employment income reported on a tax return filed within 3 years, 3 months, and 15 days after the tax year you earned the income. If you file your tax return or report a change in your self-employment income after this time limit, the SSA may change its records, but only to remove or reduce the amount. The SSA will not change its records to increase your self-employment income.

How Do I Find Out More Information on Filing Taxes?

Go to www.irs.gov if you have access to the Internet, or call:

If you file taxes, you may be eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

If you file taxes, you may be eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers. This credit lowers the amount of tax an individual owes and may be returned to you in the form of a tax refund.

Updated February 14, 2012, Replacing October 8, 2003