What is TechLedger?
TechLedger is a free, browser-based profit-and-tax estimator for 1099 field-service technicians. It turns job pay, platform fees, mileage, and hours into after-tax profit and a quarterly estimated-tax plan.
Federal tax guidance for 1099 field techs
Understand your field-service taxes before they surprise you
TechLedger is a free, browser-based estimator that turns HVAC, IT, electrical, low-voltage, and appliance job pay into after-tax profit and a quarterly plan. This blog explains the federal rules behind the numbers — self-employment tax, the standard mileage deduction, the Section 199A QBI deduction, and how Field Nation and WorkMarket report your income. Everything here is a planning estimate and education, not tax advice, and it covers federal figures only.
Start here
Five guides that cover the questions field technicians ask most.
1099 field tech taxes
The full picture — Schedule C, self-employment tax, QBI, and what to set aside on every job.
Mileage deduction
The standard mileage method and the 2026 mid-year rate split (72.5¢ through June, 76¢ from July 1).
Quarterly estimated taxes
Due dates, the safe-harbor rules, and how to size four federal payments so you avoid penalties.
Field Nation taxes
Why Field Nation reports on a 1099-K at gross (including its 10% fee) and how to reconcile it.
WorkMarket taxes
How WorkMarket reports on a 1099-NEC with no worker fee, and what that means at tax time.
Latest from the blog
New guides as IRS rates and thresholds change — every published post is stamped against a versioned facts module.
Quick answers for field techs
How is self-employment tax figured for a 1099 tech?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to the annual wage base plus 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net Schedule C profit. The 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax applies above higher income thresholds.
What is the 2026 business mileage rate?
For 2026 the IRS business standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile from January 1 through June 30, then 76 cents per mile from July 1 onward (IRS Announcement 2026-11).
Do field techs owe quarterly estimated taxes?
Usually yes. Self-employed technicians generally make four federal estimated-tax payments a year. Paying the prior-year safe harbor (100%, or 110% above $150,000 AGI) avoids underpayment penalties.
How do Field Nation and WorkMarket report income?
Field Nation reports on Form 1099-K showing gross pay including its service fee; WorkMarket reports on Form 1099-NEC. All income is taxable even if no form is issued.
Field tech tax questions
Common questions about TechLedger and 1099 field-service taxes.
Is TechLedger tax advice?
No. TechLedger and this blog provide federal tax estimates and education for planning only. They are not tax advice and do not replace a qualified tax professional.
Who is this for?
Independent 1099 field-service technicians — HVAC, IT, electrical, low-voltage, and appliance — who take work through Field Nation, WorkMarket, or directly with clients.
Does TechLedger cost anything?
No. TechLedger is a free browser-based estimator with no account required. Your data stays in your browser and is never sent to a server.
Does it handle state taxes?
No. TechLedger estimates federal Schedule C, self-employment, and income tax only. State and local taxes should be checked separately, and a multistate tech may owe nonresident tax where work is performed.
How current are the tax figures?
Every published post is stamped against a versioned facts module and re-reviewed whenever an IRS rate or threshold changes, so figures reflect the latest guidance with their authority cited.
Estimate your after-tax profit in the browser
TechLedger runs entirely in your browser — no account, no login, and your data stays in local storage, never sent to a server. Enter job pay, platform fees, mileage, and hours to see federal self-employment and income tax estimates plus a quarterly plan. It does not file your taxes or calculate state or local taxes, and it is not a substitute for a qualified tax professional.