How to Thrive as a 1099 Worker in the Child Care Industry

The way people work is changing — fast. Whether you’re teaching toddlers, driving a delivery route, or working shifts through an on-demand app, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term “1099 worker.” But what does that actually mean?

As more industries — child care included — begin offering gig-style work, independent contractor roles are becoming more common. With this flexibility comes great opportunity: control over your schedule, exposure to a variety of workplaces, and the ability to pick up work that fits your lifestyle. But it also comes with one big shift — you’re responsible for your own taxes.

This blog will break down what it means to be a 1099 worker, why it matters, and how to prepare for tax season if you’re earning income this way.

💼 What Is a 1099 Worker?

A 1099 worker is someone who’s classified as an independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee. That means:

• You’re considered self-employed.
• You typically have control over your schedule, location, and assignments.
• You’re not on payroll, and your employer or platform doesn’t withhold taxes from your payments.
• You’ll receive a 1099-NEC tax form from any company that paid you $600 or more in a calendar year.

You might be a 1099 worker if you:

• Work child care shifts through an on-demand platform.
• Freelance or consult in your field.
• Drive for a rideshare or delivery app.
• Take on project-based roles with no fixed employment contract.

⚖️ Benefits & Responsibilities of 1099 Work

The Benefits:

• Flexibility: You choose when and where you work.
• Variety: You can work with different programs or families and build a schedule that fits your life.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: Many people enjoy being their own boss and having more control over how they earn money.

The Responsibilities:

• You’re responsible for saving and paying your own taxes (federal, state, and self-employment).
• You don’t typically receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
• You need to track your own earnings and expenses.

Being a 1099 worker means you’re effectively a business of one — and that requires a little planning.

🧾 How to Prepare for Taxes as a 1099 Worker

Taxes can be intimidating, but with a few proactive steps, you can stay on top of them and avoid surprises at the end of the year.

1. Set Aside a Portion of Your Earnings

A good rule of thumb is to save 20–30% of what you earn to cover your tax bill. Because taxes aren’t taken out of your payments, it’s up to you to set that money aside. A separate savings account can help keep it out of sight, out of mind — until tax time.

2. Track Your Income and Expenses

Keep a record of every payment you receive from each company or client. If you’re using an app or platform, they may offer a dashboard or history page you can reference.

Also track expenses related to your work — such as mileage, supplies, or licensing fees — which may be deductible when you file your taxes.

3. Expect a 1099-NEC Form (If You Earn $600+)

Companies are required to send you a 1099-NEC form if they paid you $600 or more in a calendar year. You’ll receive this form by the end of January the following year. If you work with multiple companies, you may get multiple 1099s.

Even if you don’t get a 1099 (because you earned under $600), you’re still required to report that income on your taxes.

4. File Quarterly If You Earn Steadily

If you’re earning consistently as a 1099 worker, the IRS may expect you to make quarterly estimated tax payments. A tax advisor or online calculator can help you determine if this applies to you.

5. Talk to a Tax Professional (If You Can)

Especially if this is your first year doing 1099 work, a tax preparer or advisor can walk you through what’s required. They can help you maximize deductions and avoid penalties.

✨ Embrace the Freedom — Just Plan Ahead

1099 work is reshaping industries like child care by giving workers the flexibility and freedom to build careers that work for them. But with that freedom comes a new level of responsibility.

If you’re working in a gig-style role — even occasionally — it’s important to understand your classification and plan ahead. Set aside money, track what you earn, and make sure your taxes don’t catch you off guard.

By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy the benefits of flexible work while building a stable, sustainable path forward.