Wonolo App: Taxes, Available Jobs, and Whether It's Worth It

The Wonolo app lets you pick up shifts and get paid quickly. Is it worth it? What are Wonolo app taxes like? Find out here.

What is the Wonolo app?

Wonolo is a staffing agency that works like Uber. You can find one-day and short-term jobs by pushing a few buttons.

Once you create your Wonolo profile, you don’t have to send resumes or go on interviews. All you need to start working is a smartphone and passing a criminal background check

All kinds of companies post jobs in Wonolo. You can find work in catering, event staffing, warehouses, deliveries, manual labor, and even basic office work.

You’ll also find a mix of jobs that are companies coming into town for a one-time event, companies that need temporary workers for regular big events throughout the year, and companies that need to replace a worker who’s out on leave.

How much does Wonolo pay?

Most jobs on Wonolo pay between minimum wage to $15 or maybe $20 per hour. The company has a living wage pledge, but that’s really just a nudge to the employers who can set their own wage.

Shift lengths also vary. Some events last only a few others, while other shifts can be 8 to 12 hours.

It is definitely possible to make $100 per day on Wonolo if you can find the right shifts.

Are Wonolo workers employees or contractors?

Whether you’re an employee or contractor varies by job. It depends on what type of work you’re doing and how the employer hires people.

How do taxes work for Wonolo employees?

Taxes for Wonolo app employees are super simple.

You get a W-2 at the end of the year just like any other job. Wonolo takes out taxes for you, so you shouldn’t owe much at the end of the year if you don’t get a refund.

Wonolo doesn’t offer a 401(k) plan to help you reduce your taxes, but you may be eligible to contribute to a personal IRA depending on your overall income.

How do taxes work for Wonolo independent contractors?

Wonolo independent contractors have to take a few extra tax steps. You’ll also get a 1099 instead of a W-2.

The most important thing to remember is that Wonolo doesn’t take out taxes for independent contractors, so you’ll have to make estimated tax payments. You’ll owe income taxes plus a 15.3% self-employment tax.

You can deduct business expenses if you had any. For example, if you worked as a delivery driver using your own car, you can usually deduct gas or take the standard mileage deduction.

You’ll also need to add a Schedule C to your tax return with your Wonolo income and expenses. Online tax software makes this easy.

How do you get jobs in Wonolo?

Most jobs in Wonolo have an open signup. Some give priority to workers who have a positive work history in the Wonolo app.

A select handful require you to have special skills or experience. Keep in mind that the employers can rate you, so don’t take jobs you’re not qualified to do.

Does Wonolo charge you fees?

Wonolo doesn’t charge you any fees as a worker.

They do charge employers are 45% fee for each job. That’s about average for the staffing industry, but it could mean you get paid less compared to similar direct-hire jobs.

Can you get removed from the Wonolo app?

Wonolo wants to make sure employers are getting their needs met, so they do make sure you’re doing a good job. It’s possible to be removed from the app if you:

• Receive bad employer reviews
• Don’t show up for shifts
• Cancel shifts at the last minute

That’s pretty much how all jobs work.

Can you always get work?

Wonolo doesn’t guarantee any amount of work. It’s pretty easy to find work regularly, but there may not always be work available on any given day especially if you wait until the last minute.

Remember, Wonolo gets paid by the employers, so they want to make sure the jobs are getting filled. That can sometimes mean having too many workers available.

Looking for other options?

Check out the Best Same-Day Pay Jobs and the Most Profitable Side Hustles.