<prompt> Human: I was a full - time student, and just graduated college in August after summer school. I just got a job at the end of September, and my employer doesnt take taxes out of my pay check. She told me I have to file as self-employed 1099 or 1040 or something of that sort.By Jan 1st, my total income in the year 2014 will be 7,000 because I only worked for 4 months. Standard deduction is 6,200 3900 personal exemption. My income for the year 2014 is less than the deduction amount. Do I have to pay taxes before Jan 1?? Seems like I dont.  <response>: Your federal tax obligation may be zero, but you do have to pay FICA and social security taxes which will run about 15 if youre self employed. You dont have to technically pay taxes before January 1, 2015, since this is your first year working as self-employed, but you will have to pay quarterly next year in order to avoid IRS penalties if you remain self-employed and generate income in 2015.Do some research on IRS.gov and find out what applies to your situation.Sounds like she is just cutting you a check for contract labor and you are responsible for filing a 1099. I had that happen once in a very small business. I never got a 1099 from them, but I filed taxes anyway from the pay that I received from them for my contract work. My federal obligation was zero, but I had to pay the 15 in FICA and social security taxes. If youre not sure have your employer clarify. 