8 things to consider before working for yourself

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Ready to give up on corporate America yet? Maybe you’ve thought about striking out on your own as an entrepreneur and becoming your own boss. But before you do that, heed this advice to prepare…

Read more: How to disaster proof your small business

How to get ready for self-employment before you make the leap

There are so many ways you can work for yourself — from using an app to make extra money to driving for a ridehailing company to owning a franchise to whatever the next hot thing becomes down the road.

The latest data available from the Census Bureau tells us that the number of self-employed workers now sits at nearly 24 million people. That’s up 10% over a period from 2007 to 2014. So this is a clearly a growing trend.

We know there’s a lot to think about when considering self-employment, but here are a few financial concerns that Consumer Reports says you need to address.

Retirement: How will you fund it?

Nearly a third of all entrepreneurs aren’t saving anything at all for their retirement, according to a new survey from non-profit The American College. They’re too busy pouring every penny back into their business, thinking that will be their big score. Maybe, but maybe not.

As a self-employed person, you have access to a simplified employee pension (SEP). The paperwork to set up a SEP is simple, and you can even open one at a low-cost investment house like Vanguard, Fidelity or T Rowe Price  at no cost.

SEPs work like a traditional IRA or 401(k), with a current year tax deduction. Withdrawals are taxed at retirement. SEPs also offer flexibility because you can put in from zero in a year to as much as $53,000. That’s helpful during the feast or famine startup years. Don’t miss this opportunity to save for your future!

Meanwhile, did you know that Uber is offering IRAs to drivers in four cities right now? This plan is expected to rollout to the rest of the nation by the end of the year.

Emergency fund: How much do you need?

Before making the leap to becoming self-employed, you should build up a nice rainy day savings account to survive the lean times that come with running any business yourself.

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While most financial experts recommend an emergency fund equal to at least six months of your income, that’s a rule geared toward those who have a steady and reliable income from an employer.

For the potential entrepreneur, Consumer Reports goes as far as recommending that you have 12 months of money in reserve before becoming self-employed. That will help you avoid tapping your existing retirement savings in a pinch.

Your home: Is it ever the right move to tap your equity for funding?

As the American population ages, so too does the age of the average entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship among people 55 to 64 skyrocketed by a jaw-dropping 64% during the last 16 years, according to the Kauffman Foundation.

That means we have a lot of folks with a lot of equity in their homes who are trying to launch a business. Does it ever make sense to tap that equity in the process? Read what our small business start-up expert Susan Schreter has to say on the matter.

Health insurance: How will you get it?

When you no longer have an employer to rely on for insurance, you basically have three options: Get it through your spouse’s employer, buy COBRA or get an Affordable Care Act plan.

Going on a spouse’s plan is like hitting the ‘easy’ button and can save you a lot of money if that’s an option. On the other hand, COBRA is costly — up to 102% of the premium you paid through your employer’s plan — and only lasts for 18 months after you leave your employer.

The Affordable Care Act option is viable, but if continuity of care is an important consideration for you, then be sure to check with your doctors to make sure they accept the level of plan you’re considering buying.

Other insurance: What kinds and how much?

Throughout your working lifetime, you are three times more likely to become disabled than you are to die before age 65. And when you work for yourself, there’s nobody else to do the job! Makes a convincing case for having disability insurance, right?

There are a lot of considerations to think about with disability insurance, such as making sure the insurer you buy it from is financially strong for the long haul, making sure your policy covers your specialty and more. Get a full rundown of what you need to know here.

Online reviews: Know how the game is played

The reviews customers leave online are so important for small businesses today. But the playing field isn’t always as level as it seems. Yelp has long faced allegations that it extorts businesses into paying to display good reviews. Now one of our forum users is stepping forth with details of his brush with a Yelp salesperson. Read this eye-opening article here.

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Taxes: Handling your new situation

When you work for yourself or as an independent contractor, it’s very rare that taxes are withheld from your paycheck. So it’s up to you to plan for tax time.

As a self-employed person, you’re required to send quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. One suggestion that Consumer Reports offers is to set up a separate bank account for tax stuff. That way you always have a stash of money that’s dedicated to taxes.

Plan on saving 25% of everything you earn in this account so you’re not left scrambling when it’s time to pay Uncle Sam.

Meanwhile, you can estimate your Social Security and Medicare tax online, as well as your federal income tax bill.

Audits: You’re in the crosshairs of the IRS

Here’s something to note well: The self-employed have a bull’s-eye target on their returns. That’s because past audits have shown a meaningful percent of the self-employed don’t report income properly.

Unfortunately, this is one case where you’re guilty until proven innocent with the documentation you can produce to back up your claims should you face a correspondence audit (via the mail) or a field audit (face-to-face interview).

Some common problem areas are the way you claim a home office deduction and how you deduct unreimbursed business expenses, among others. Read this to know how to protect yourself before you get into trouble.

Read more: #1 overlooked thing that gives you $80,000 more in retirement!

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