Tax Prep
Know your
STATUS
Your tax situation depends on how you work. Start here.
Quick Answer
Barbers file taxes based on their work status: shop owners and 1099 contractors pay self-employment tax and quarterly estimates, while W-2 employed barbers have taxes withheld by their shop. Tax day for the 2026 tax year is April 15, 2027.
Last updated: May 2026
01 / Know Your Status
Consider your
tax situation
How you work determines what you owe, when you file, and which forms you need. Find your situation below.
Shop Owner
Sole Prop / LLC / S-Corp
You own and operate the business. Choose your entity type, pay self-employment tax, and file quarterly estimates.
Your Situation
As a shop owner, you have business income to withhold taxes from on a federal, state, and local level. Depending on the type of business you run, you may also need to pay payroll taxes for any employees. The structure of your business, sole prop, LLC, S-corp, determines how you file and how much you owe.
Taxes You Owe
Self-employment tax, federal income tax, state and local income tax, and (if you have employees) payroll taxes. Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare.
Forms to File
Employed Barber
W-2 Employee
You're a W-2 employee. The shop withholds federal and state taxes and pays half of your FICA.
Your Situation
Barbers employed by a shop receive a W-2 and have taxes withheld each paycheck. Your filing is simpler because your employer reports your wages and withholding to the IRS. You're not responsible for self-employment tax, your employer covers their half of Social Security and Medicare.
Taxes You Owe
Your share of federal, state, and local income tax. Your employer takes care of FICA withholding and pays the employer share.
Forms to File
Contracted Barber
1099 Contractor
You're an independent contractor. Track all income and expenses, file Schedule C, and pay quarterly estimates.
Your Situation
As an independent contractor, you're responsible for tracking your own income, paying self-employment tax, and making estimated payments throughout the year. You won't have an employer withholding for you, so it's on you to set money aside and stay current with the IRS.
Taxes You Owe
Self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) plus federal, state, and local income tax. Estimated payments are typically required quarterly using Form 1040-ES.
Forms to File
02 / Filing Thresholds
Do I need to file?
The general income rules from the IRS require filing a tax return if your income exceeds the following thresholds for 2026.
Source: IRS Publication 501
03 / Deadlines
When do I file?
Tax day is April 15, 2027 for the 2026 tax season, but if you're self-employed you likely owe estimated payments throughout the year. Paying quarterly via Form 1040-ES means you won't owe a large lump sum, and may get a refund if you over-paid.
April 2026
15TH
Q1: January – March 2026
June 2026
15TH
Q2: April – May 2026
September 2026
15TH
Q3: June – August 2026
January 2027
15TH
Q4: September – December 2026
04 / The Basics
Components of your tax return
Revenue
Gross income: all the money you collected from barbering, including tips. If you used theCut, your bookings flow through the app so you can pull a year-end report and reconcile against your other records. Track every dollar that hits your business.
Expenses
Anything you spent to operate. Booking software, chair rent, supplies, clippers, capes, products, travel to clients and events, advertising, phone and internet (portion used for business), continuing education, and professional fees. Use the Service Calculator and Policy Calculator to project the revenue side of the equation.
Deductions
Allowable expenses you can subtract from your revenue to lower your taxable income. Most ordinary and necessary business costs qualify, keep clean records, save your receipts, and file digitally so nothing slips through the cracks at tax time.
05 / Write-Offs
Deductions for barbers
Business Costs
Booking software, accounting, advertising.
Shop Supplies
Clippers, shears, capes, products, towels.
Professional Fees
Licenses, CE classes, expos.
Equipment
Chairs, mirrors, station setup.
Travel (Mobile)
Mileage to clients & events.
Miscellaneous
Work clothing, phone/internet portion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax laws change frequently, consult a qualified tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.