<prompt> Human: Hey yall, Ill try to break this down as sapiently as I can. Im working a labor gig that is an independent contractor position. I have one helper, whom I pay, to help me do the work. On paper I made 13,400 from this gig, though it is much less than that, as I was paying the help. I owe just shy of 3,000 for this year. I also didnt have health insurance, penalties etc.So, Im a little rattled. This is currently my primary means of income. Im also an artist and am working on building a small business, but this is what is currently paying my bills. This amount is more than what I currently have in my bank account, which I wince in admitting, but is the truth. So Im looking for some advice in helping me prepare to meet this. Im wondering,A Are there any feasible ways to lower this amount, based on the fact that Im in the poverty zone?B Could I potentially deduct the costs of my hired help via a claim that would not involve me issuing them a 1099? The help has rotated, it doesnt rest solely on one individual.B.1. Would this look sketchy?C Are there any recommended steps I can take to avoid the penalties of health insurance?D I have looked into paying my taxes in a way that allows me to do some installments, but usually those apply by way of after April 15. Is there a way I can start paying them now, with the intention of meeting the full amount by April 15?E Any advice or recommendations doing things differently this year would likewise be greatly appreciated. Thanks!edit: typos.  <response>: You can and should deduct legitimate business expenses. You can deduct payments to employees. If you paid them over 600, you are required by law to issue a 1099 to them.If you saved money for retirement, you may qualify depending on your income level and how much saved for the Savers Credit.Depending on your income level is 13,400 all you made for the year, or just from self employment? and the cost of the cheapest insurance plans near you, along with a number of other factors, you may qualify for an exemption to the ACA mandate.Going forward, calculate the percentage you expect to owe in taxes from 1099 income and set that amount aside from each payment you receive throughout the year so you have it come tax-time. Youre really supposed to be making estimated quarterly payments to the IRS for 1099 income as well. 