Accountant for Freelancers: 5 Reasons You Need One in 2023

Freelancers work in almost every industry. Their work allows flexibility in various sectors for many workers, but freelancers still have accounting needs they must meet.

With the new year upon us, it's an excellent time for freelancers to prepare for their annual tax needs. There's time to implement strategies and ways that an accountant or CPA can facilitate the income reporting and tax filing process. Here are the reasons you need an accountant for freelancers in 2023.

Do I Have To Report Freelance Income?

As a freelancer, you have freelance income reporting requirements. Companies where you've done freelance work throughout the year, will send copies of Form 1099 to the IRS. This form also contains information about your freelance work income.

Depending on the amount you owe in freelance income and the forms you need to submit, you may need four tax forms:

Form 1040 

Form 1099 

Schedule C for Form 1040

Schedule SE for Form 1040

Two income tiers determine if you must report freelance income. If you earned less than $600 in income from an employer: 

You don't have to report it as income on Form 1099 

You'll still need to report this as income

You'll total this income amount as part of your total income on Schedule C

Reporting your income differs if you've earned more than $600 or received multiple Form 1099s. To report your freelance income, you'll: 

Total your income from all Form 1099s

Complete Schedule C for Form 1040

Complete Schedule SE for Form 1040

Complete Form 1040

Do I Need an Accountant?

Before you decide if you need an accountant, you'll want to know the benefits of choosing an accountant. Accountants are helpful in many areas of income reporting and tax filing. Below, we've highlighted some of the main reasons and benefits of choosing a tax accountant for freelancers:

An accountant will review your financial statements to ensure there aren't mistakes with your finances

Accountants and CPAs can advise clients on their finances

Accountants can perform other bookkeeping needs, such as preparing financial statements, preparing reports, and recording transactions.

Accountants can also help you determine if you qualify for any tax credits or deductions 

Some accounting services for freelancers are remote, allowing freelance workers to file taxes from multiple states

Working with a certified public accountant offers even more benefits for freelancers who want to report income.

5 Reasons To Hire an Accountant for Your Freelance Income Reporting

Working with an accountant for freelancers has multiple advantages for freelance workers. Whether you’re seeking an accountant or a certified public accountant to report your freelance income, there are five reasons you should work with one:

Accountants can prepare financial statements

CPAs can prepare and review financial statements

CPAs can prepare tax returns for individuals and small businesses

CPAs can represent taxpayers if a tax audit occurs

You will save time whether you work with an accountant or a CPA

The first reason to hire an accountant is that accountants can prepare financial statements. As a freelance worker, you may have the information you need to begin the income reporting process but only some of what you need to prepare your financial statements. Working with an accountant can help you report your freelance income.

The second reason to hire an accountant pertains to financial statements. A CPA can prepare and review financial statements, which means your certified public accountant can check your balance sheet, cash flow statement, and income statement. A CPA will use a financial statement to provide a more detailed overview of the transactions you'll need to file taxes and report income.

The third reason you’ll want an accountant for your freelance income reporting involves who CPAs can work with. A CPA can prepare tax returns for individuals and small businesses, which is helpful for freelancers, who can operate their businesses as sole proprietors.

The fourth reason, CPAs can represent you if your tax return triggers an audit. CPAs are among the few people who can do this, which means that your CPA can work with the IRS to resolve what the IRS requests during an audit. 

The fifth reason to hire an accountant to report your freelance income involves your time. Working with an accountant or a certified public accountant is a sure way to save time. The familiarity with tax regulations and the knowledge of tax credits and deductions may also help you save money.

Questions To Ask When Hiring a Business or Personal Accountant

When hiring a business or personal accountant, you may have several questions to ask before hiring one. As you are looking for a business or personal accountant, these questions may help you learn more about how they can help you:

1. Can you represent me if I get audited by the IRS?
2. Do you communicate by email or other online means?
3. Do you have experience with my kind of business?
4. How often should we meet to discuss my business taxes?
5. What are your fees?
6. What services do you provide?

These questions will help freelance workers learn more about a future business accountant or personal accountant. Additionally, you’ll learn details regarding handling your financial information before hiring an accountant.

Work With a CPA That Specializes in Freelance Finances    

Your tax preparation needs may focus on different parts of your finances as a freelancer. Freelance finances aren't always stable, so there may be additional considerations to take when choosing a prospective accountant. 
When you want to work with an accountant, ensure you work with a certified public account to avoid errors and receive representation. With the new year upon us, and for the best results for your taxes, turn to an experienced accountant. Contact our accountants at 1-800Accountant for your freelance finance business needs.