If you were getting regular paychecks, your company would withhold taxes and give to the government on your behalf -- on April 15, you true up against those est

If you were getting regular paychecks, your company would withhold taxes and give to the government on your behalf -- on April 15, you true up against those estimates. As a contractor, you get the full amount with no taxes withheld (but you still owe tax). Pick a reasonable number that you think you owe the government and make an estimated tax payment (to your state too, if you live in a state with income tax). It's simple paperwork, not a full tax filing. You can do it online.