Self-Employment TaxIn addition to federal income tax, self-employed individuals must pay self-employment tax to cover Social Security and Medicare contributions. Common Tax Mistakes Self-Employed Individuals Should AvoidMany self-employed taxpayers encounter tax problems because of avoidable mistakes. Self-employed individuals should consider seeking tax help when their tax situation becomes difficult to manage or they are unsure about their obligations. Self-employed individuals can get tax help from qualified tax professionals, including certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents, and tax resolution specialists. Can tax relief help self-employed individuals?