Quick answer
W-2 income usually has tax withheld automatically. 1099 income usually does not, which is why many contractors get surprised at tax time.
What this means
This page is designed to answer the search quickly, then move the reader into the main calculator without confusion.
Real examples
Where readers usually go next
These related paths help users continue through the site naturally instead of bouncing.
A good follow-up for people trying to understand whether extra work changes their tax picture.
A more focused read for contractor income, brackets, and what usually catches people off guard.
An example page that shows how withholding can change whether you owe or get a refund.
The main conversion page where readers can run a fast federal estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Which one pays more tax?
It depends on total income, deductions, and whether money was already withheld.
Why do freelancers often owe more?
Because their tax is not quietly prepaid through payroll during the year.
Check your estimate while the question is still fresh
Someone lands with a real question, gets a clean answer, and can immediately move into a quick calculator instead of leaving to guess somewhere else.