9 1099 work from home jobs you can start today

Imagine being stuck in a job that you don't like. You're not connecting with your coworkers, your workplace feels uninspiring, and your daily commutes are overwhelming. The simplest tasks feel like a cumbersome chore, and your enthusiasm is slowly vanishing.

But there is an alternative: becoming an independent contractor and finding a new career that will allow you to work remotely. With the right discipline and focus, you can launch a home business and end up with greater financial security — while also getting rid of your long commute and bland workspace.

1099 work from home jobs for independent contractors

Read on for seven types of 1099 work from home jobs that can be done entirely from your home.

Graphic Designer

If you're good with images and illustrations, graphic design may be the ideal independent contractor job for you.

Graphic designers are in high demand right now thanks to the growth of businesses like Etsy and Kickstarter, which helped propel creative entrepreneurs to new levels of success. As a freelancer, you can offer everything from logos to signage creation to promotional materials.

A great graphic design tool is Canva, which makes designing graphics for social media and blogging easy, even if you're not a master designer.

When you launch your business, make sure to choose a niche that's in demand. Start by searching for high-level graphic design jobs on freelance websites like Fiverr or Upwork, then do some research on local businesses and agencies to see what kind of design work they're looking for. Once you have this information, you can make your listings look more targeted and competitive.

Freelance Writer

If you have a knack for writing engaging content, consider turning it into a home business.

Companies need articles, blog posts, press releases, and other written content. If you work hard on your own schedule without supervision, you can turn this talent into a side business that brings in $3,000 (or more) each month for part-time hours.

To get started, write some sample content for free on sites like Contently or Medium, so you can build up your portfolio and show clients what you're capable of creating.

Once you have a website that describes your services, spend some time building an email list with the people who sign up to read your content. Then promote your work on social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter, as well as by reaching out to other bloggers in your industry and getting guest posting opportunities. Read our guide to get freelance writing clients for more ways to land jobs.

When you have a few paying clients, you can use their projects as case studies on your website to attract even more customers.

Real Estate Agent

If you're an outgoing and sociable person, think about starting an independent contractor career as a real estate agent.

Real estate agents typically work with clients in offices, but your business can run from anywhere you have access to the Internet. All it takes is a laptop and a cell phone so you can communicate with clients when they need help finding or selling properties, and you can start working from home.

You need some basic training to get started, but you don't need an expensive degree or previous experience in the field. A positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills can help you land your first job, with potential for big paychecks once your business starts generating profits.

Consultant

If you have a unique skill or ability that would be valuable to other companies, consider consulting as a business opportunity.

Many ideas don't need to turn into full-fledged businesses, so consulting is a great way for freelancers to share their expertise with others and get paid for it.

The best part about this approach is that you can work with lots of different types of businesses. For example, you could become a business consultant for startups that are just starting out or offer your expertise at agencies or organizations where they need an extra pair of hands to get work done.

Some independent contractors choose to focus on one industry in particular, like technology consulting, while others take the "jack of all trades" route and provide their business skills to a broad range of companies.

Therapist (as an independent contractor)

If you're a caring and empathetic person with good listening skills, consider making your passion into a career by becoming a therapist.

While some therapists work in offices (like on-site at hospitals or retirement homes), many others run private practices from their own homes, which makes it easy to work around other obligations like family or school.

The best part about becoming a therapist is that you can get started with just an undergraduate degree in the field. Potential clients may also want to see some experience working on similar cases, so volunteering at local organizations or doing internships will give you the extra credentials necessary for this career change.

Some therapists focus on particular mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder or eating disorders. Others choose to take a more general approach and work with all types of patients.

Check out our tax deductions for therapists guide to save money at the end of the year.

eBay Seller

If you enjoy hunting for unique bargains or have a knack for finding great deals, think about opening your own eBay store and selling off items.

To get started, you'll need to set up a seller account on eBay and advertise your merchandise with high-quality photos and product descriptions.

You can sell almost anything as long as it's legal and doesn't violate any of the platform's policies. Many sellers have had success selling:

• Used clothing
• Furniture
• Cell phone accessories
• Books
• Other popular items

Creating your own 1099 eBay store is a great way to build up your online presence in the business world, particularly if you're just starting out in entrepreneurship. The more successful sales you have, the more likely people are to click on your name when they see it in search results—which could lead to even bigger opportunities in the future.

Twitch Streamer

If you love to tell stories or engage with people online, Twitch might be the perfect platform for you.

Twitch is a live streaming platform where users can broadcast videos of themselves playing video games and interacting with other gamers while doing so. It's a great source of entertainment for viewers, who get to watch other players compete in games and win prizes.

As a Twitch 1099 streamer, you'll need to set up your own channel and build your audience so you can start bringing in revenue from brand sponsorships and viewer donations.

And because Twitch is popular mostly with younger users, you might also consider working with YouTube Gaming and other platforms that attract the same demographic. This way, you'll be able to reach a wider range of viewers and potential clients.

OnlyFans Model

OnlyFans is a social media platform where users can sign up to follow models and receive access to their exclusive pictures. There are no ads on the site, meaning that 1099 OnlyFans users who follow you will be paying for the content.

Because OnlyFans is a relatively new platform, it can be difficult to build your following. But there are some things you can do to get noticed by more customers on social media. Consider linking up with other models who are already making an impact on the site and joining groups where members share their favorite OnlyFans content.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to sharing the snaps that get the most attention and attract new followers to your page.

Upwork Freelancer

Upwork is a site where clients and freelancers connect for short-term projects.

Some of the most popular freelance jobs on Upwork include:

• App development
• Content writing
• Graphic design
• Virtual assistance

If you already have experience doing any of these things, now is the time to market yourself as a freelancer and secure your first job as a 1099 Upwork worker. To do this, you'll need to create a professional profile and craft proposals for projects that pique your interest.

As you do these things, pay close attention to how your competition is marketing themselves on Upwork. You might be able to learn something that will help you get noticed by more clients in the future.

How to land 1099 work from home jobs easily

Wonolo is a job-matching software that allows individuals to locate and accept jobs in their area with the touch of a button. If you find a job that fits your skills, you can accept it and start immediately as a Wonolo freelancer. Many of Wonolo's postings are likely in manufacturing or retail positions. If you have experience in either area, this could be a great side hustle for you.

Lead generation and sales independent contractor jobs

How to find lead generation jobs as a 1099 contractor

Lead generation jobs as a 1099 contractor are widely available on platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, and Fiverr. These roles typically involve:

• Identifying potential customers
• Qualifying leads
• Passing leads to sales teams

To find these jobs, create a detailed profile highlighting your skills in research, communication, and CRM software like HubSpot or Salesforce.

Many companies prefer contractors with experience using tools such as ZoomInfo or LinkedIn Sales Navigator to gather accurate contact information. For example, a contractor might be tasked with generating 100 qualified leads per week for a SaaS company. Setting clear goals and showcasing past results can improve your chances of landing these contracts.

To get started, regularly check job boards and set alerts for keywords like “remote lead generation” or “1099 sales contractor.” Tailor your proposals to emphasize your ability to deliver measurable results. This proactive approach helps you secure consistent work and build a solid reputation in the lead generation niche.

Effective sales contractor roles you can do from home

Sales contractor roles that work well from home include:

• Appointment setting
• Inbound sales
• Commission-based closing

These jobs often require excellent phone and email communication skills, along with familiarity with video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Many companies hire contractors to handle specific sales stages without requiring a full-time commitment.

Appointment setters focus on scheduling meetings for sales reps and may earn $15 to $25 per hour or commission bonuses. Commission-based closers might earn 10% to 20% of sales value, leading to higher income depending on performance. Using sales automation tools like Pipedrive or Outreach.io can increase efficiency and help meet targets.

To succeed, set up a dedicated home office with reliable internet and a quiet environment. Track your sales metrics carefully and communicate regularly with your contracting company. This professionalism helps maintain long-term contracts and opens doors to higher-paying opportunities.

Managing taxes and expenses for 1099 sales contractors

As a 1099 independent contractor in lead generation or sales, you are responsible for managing your own taxes and business expenses. The IRS requires you to pay self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare, currently totaling 15.3% on net earnings. Keep detailed records of income and deductible expenses such as:

• Home office supplies
• Internet costs
• Software subscriptions

Using accounting software like QuickBooks Self-Employed or FreshBooks can simplify tracking your finances and preparing for quarterly estimated tax payments. For example, you might set aside 25% to 30% of your income to cover federal and state taxes, depending on your location.

Some states like California and New York have additional tax requirements for independent contractors, so consult a tax professional if needed.

By proactively managing your taxes and expenses, you avoid surprises during tax season and maximize your deductions. This financial discipline is essential to sustaining a profitable 1099 sales contracting career from home.

Customer service and call center independent contractor roles

How to find 1099 customer service jobs from home

Finding 1099 customer service jobs that allow you to work from home starts with targeting platforms that specialize in freelance and remote work. Websites like:

• Upwork
• FlexJobs
• Remote.co

regularly list independent contractor roles in customer service and call centers. These platforms let you filter jobs by contract type, ensuring you only see 1099 opportunities.

Another effective strategy is to research companies known for outsourcing customer support, such as:

• Alorica
• LiveOps
• Concentrix

These companies often hire independent contractors for remote call center positions. Signing up directly on their careers pages or joining their talent networks increases your chances of landing a contract role.

To stand out, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with CRM software like:

• Zendesk
• Salesforce

Demonstrating familiarity with these tools is crucial since many remote customer service roles require managing tickets and customer data efficiently.

What to expect working as a 1099 call center contractor

Working as a 1099 call center contractor means you are self-employed, responsible for managing your taxes, benefits, and work schedule. Unlike traditional employees, you won’t receive a regular paycheck or employer-provided benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. Instead, you’ll invoice clients or the contracting company for your hours or completed tasks.

Most 1099 call center roles require you to provide your own equipment, such as:

• A reliable computer
• Headset
• High-speed internet connection

Some companies may also require specific software installations or security measures to protect customer data. Expect to undergo training sessions remotely to familiarize yourself with company protocols and systems.

Flexibility is a key advantage of these roles, allowing you to choose shifts that fit your lifestyle. However, you must track your hours carefully and maintain communication with your client or agency to ensure timely payments.

Using tools like Toggl or Harvest can help you log work time accurately and generate invoices efficiently.

How to manage taxes and expenses as a 1099 customer service contractor

As a 1099 independent contractor, you are responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which cover Social Security and Medicare contributions. For 2024, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3% on net earnings. It’s essential to set aside approximately 25-30% of your income for federal and state taxes to avoid surprises during tax season.

Keeping detailed records of your expenses can reduce your taxable income. Common deductible expenses for remote customer service contractors include home office costs, internet bills, equipment purchases, and software subscriptions. Using accounting software like QuickBooks Self-Employed or FreshBooks can simplify tracking and categorizing these expenses.

Quarterly estimated tax payments are required to avoid penalties. The IRS Form 1040-ES provides worksheets and vouchers to help calculate and submit these payments. Consulting a tax professional familiar with freelancer finances can also ensure you maximize deductions and stay compliant with 2024 tax laws.

Tax preparer jobs for independent contractors

How to start as a tax preparer working from home

Starting as a tax preparer working from home requires obtaining the proper credentials and setting up a compliant workspace. To legally prepare taxes for others, you must apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, which costs $64.25 for the 2024 tax year. This is a mandatory step for all paid tax preparers.

Next, consider completing the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) to boost credibility and access more clients. Many independent contractors use tax software like Drake Tax or TaxSlayer Pro, which offer remote-friendly platforms and training resources. Setting up a quiet, organized home office with secure internet and document storage is essential to protect client data.

To attract clients, create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or specialized tax sites such as TaxBuzz. Networking with local small businesses and advertising on social media can also generate steady leads. Focus on clear communication and timely delivery to build a strong reputation as a reliable tax preparer.

What to expect in terms of income and workload

Independent tax preparers working from home can expect variable income depending on experience, client base, and seasonality. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for tax preparers in 2024 is around $22. However, experienced contractors can charge between $100 and $300 per tax return, especially for complex filings.

The busiest period typically runs from January through April, coinciding with tax season. During these months, many tax preparers work 40 to 60 hours per week. Outside tax season, workload often decreases, allowing time for marketing, continuing education, or other freelance jobs. Planning for this fluctuation is crucial for managing cash flow and scheduling.

Using scheduling tools like Calendly can help manage client appointments efficiently. Additionally, tax preparers should set aside 25% to 30% of their earnings for quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid surprises during tax season. Proper financial planning ensures sustainability as an independent contractor.

Key tax considerations for independent contractor tax preparers

As an independent contractor, tax preparers must manage their own tax obligations, including self-employment tax, estimated quarterly payments, and business deductions. Filing IRS Form 1040 Schedule C is necessary to report income and expenses related to tax preparation services.

Common deductible expenses include tax software subscriptions, home office costs, internet fees, and professional education. For example, if your home office occupies 10% of your home’s square footage, you can deduct 10% of related expenses like utilities, rent, and mortgage interest. Keeping detailed records and receipts is essential for maximizing deductions and avoiding IRS issues.

Using accounting tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Bonsai’s expense tracking can simplify tax management. Additionally, registering for a separate business bank account helps separate personal and business finances. Staying organized and informed about tax deadlines will keep your independent tax preparation business compliant and profitable.