A Freelancer Guide - Writing for Impaakt.

Freelancing is a less restrictive type of contract that allows both the freelancer and Impaakt more freedom. You can freelance from anywhere in the world, and it allows us to have access to top writing talent from different countries that are mission-aligned and diverse.

Yes, being a freelancer has many perks because you get to control your own schedule, but such perks come with responsibilities and obligations. Freelancing means taking care of things that employers usually take care of, such as your own taxes.

As a freelancer, one of your legal requirements is that you pay your tax on any income that exceeds any threshold set by the taxing authority (this could be income tax or value-added tax and varies per country, and as a freelancer it it your responsibility to find this out and ensure you are meeting what is required by the law in the country you work in).

1. Freelance Contract: It is not a requirement that you have a contract with the people you work with but having one keeps you away from a lot of trouble brought about by uncertainties. This is what you will need for each project as opposed to an employment contract. This is important so that the freelancer and the client will have a clear understanding of the scope of the work to avoid confusion or extra work. This is also to avoid expensive litigation arising from disagreements. When you write on the Impaakt platform, the Terms and Conditions serve as a contract.

2. Taxes: You will have to file different tax returns depending on what the taxing authority requires, which has jurisdiction over you. In some places, you will need to file before the end of the year; in others, you may have to register before starting to work. Please check with your taxing authority as to the kind of taxes you will have to file and the tax deductions that you can take advantage of. There are different types of taxes you may have to pay, like social security taxes and income taxes. In some countries, it may be more advantageous to set up a ‘company’.

3. Expenses, hours, invoices and reports: This is another freelancing administration that you have to manage when you work as a freelancer. You need to record not just the bills and invoices, but also the hours worked. Additionally, you may be able to claim some of your expenses; for example, your phone bill and computer could be paid for with “pre-tax” money.

4. Insurances: Insurance is essential to protect you from future incidents that will cost you more than the premiums you will pay the insurance company. You can ensure your health, your income, or you can even take on third-party liability insurance and many others.

The main insurances we recommend you look into are the following:

a. Health Insurance: this is mandatory in many European countries and will cover your medical expenses in case of illness or accident.

b. Income: this is an optional insurance that can guarantee a percentage of your income in case you have a long term illness or accident. Some may even cover unemployment.

c. Third-party liability: as a freelancer, since you are doing business under your name, your liability is personal unless you register as a business entity (with different legal status).

5. Retirement: Retirement responsibilities vary from country to country. As a general rule, we recommend you join a retirement plan as soon as possible.

6. Planning for time off: Freelance contracts do not include sick pay or vacations, as these are not employment contracts. You need to calculate and plan for these accordingly. (See #4 on the loss of income insurance in case of sick leave).

There is different documentation and paperwork required depending on where you are based. The above are just some of the general things you would need to look into as a freelancer.

One last thing to consider is that freelancing doesn’t exempt you from having a work permit if you reside in a country that is not your own. You cannot just work as a freelancer without obtaining the necessary work permit.

You can view our full terms and conditions here, they give more detail on being part of our writing community.