I've been doing freelance graphic design stuff on the side for about eight months now and making around $800-1200 a month. Right now I'm just tracking everything in a spreadsheet and doing my own taxes, but I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake not getting professional help, especially since my main job already complicates things.
don't assume your spreadsheet covers everything just because it looks neat - most people miss quarterly tax payments and deductions they didn't know existed! here's the thing though: get a one-time consultation with a tax pro (like $150-300) instead of hiring ongoing help, have them review your setup and tell you what you're missing, then stick with your spreadsheet once you know the real rules.
At that income level, you're probably fine managing it yourself if you're already organized with a spreadsheet - that's honestly the hardest part. The real question is whether your main job situation creates complications that could trigger an audit or catch you off-guard (like if you're a contractor yourself, or have multiple income streams). If your day job is straightforward W-2 stuff, I'd say hold off on an accountant for now, but do make sure you're setting aside taxes quarterly and tracking deductible expenses properly. Once that side gig hits closer to $2K+ monthly or you add more income sources, that's when an accountant starts making financial sense.
Your monthly numbers are right on the edge of where a one-time consultation becomes worth it - maybe $200-300 to a tax pro who could review your setup, flag any quarterly payment issues, and identify deductions you're likely missing (software subscriptions, home office stuff, equipment). After that it's mostly on you unless things get messier.
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