Freelancing isn’t just a job— it’s a lifestyle. You get to choose your projects, set your own schedule, and work from anywhere. But with that freedom comes a ton of responsibility.
From finding clients to managing taxes, freelancers wear a lot of hats. And let’s not forget about securing freelancer health benefits and navigating your tax situation. It can feel like a never-ending balancing act, especially when you’re also trying to scale your business.
This is where the Freelancers Union comes into play, and their partnership with Opolis makes the game even better. Together, they help freelancers not just survive but thrive by providing essential tools, resources, and benefits specifically tailored to the independent workforce. And with Opolis’ partnership with Bench, freelancers can also get expert support in managing their finances and navigating tax strategies and deductions.
Let’s explore how this powerhouse combo simplifies your freelance journey and helps your business run smoothly.
What Is the Freelancers Union?
The Freelancers Union is your one-stop shop for everything a freelancer needs to live their best professional life. Founded in 1995, it’s an organization dedicated to providing freelancers with resources and support, whether that’s freelancer health benefits, legal assistance, or financial education. Essentially, it’s a safety net in the unpredictable world of freelancing.
But it’s more than just a benefits provider. The Freelancers Union is a community. With over half a million members, they work to build a better future for independent contractors by lobbying for fairer laws, educating members on key business practices like tax withholdings, and offering a wealth of free resources.
And now, with their partnership with Opolis— and through Opolis, their partnership with Bench— things have gotten even better.
Why This Partnership Matters
When two powerhouses like the Freelancers Union and Opolis team up, it’s like peanut butter meeting jelly— each one brings something great to the table, but together, they’re unstoppable.
Opolis provides expertise in payroll and taxable income management, while the Freelancers Union understands what freelancers really need. Add Bench to the mix, and you get a complete financial management solution that handles everything from year taxes to business bookkeeping.
Bench, a financial platform specializing in bookkeeping for small businesses and freelancers, partners with Opolis to provide freelancers with the support they need to stay on top of their financials. Together, they ensure freelancers have access to high-quality bookkeeping, tax strategies and deductions, and expert advice on optimizing their business for tax season.
Let’s break down the benefits and services these three provide and how their partnership can make your freelance journey so much smoother.
Comprehensive Benefits Tailored for Freelancers
One of the biggest struggles freelancers face is accessing affordable, quality health insurance. Thanks to the Freelancers Union, this struggle is a little less daunting. They offer access to health insurance, dental and vision plans, and even life insurance at competitive rates with Opolis. Whether you’re a part-time freelancer or running a full-time operation, these are essential services that help freelancers feel a bit more like traditional employees.
Opolis takes it a step further by streamlining the entire process. As an Opolis member, you get access to Cigna’s largest independent network plans, making it easier to secure top-tier healthcare options. And it’s not just about health insurance— Opolis helps you manage the social security and medicare side of things, taking care of all the pesky details freelancers usually have to figure out on their own.
Simplified Payroll, Taxes, and Financial Management
Freelancers Union has long been an advocate for simplifying the way freelancers handle payroll and taxes. They’ve fought for fairer tax policies for independent contractors and provided educational resources on how to manage tax liability. But the actual heavy lifting— like filing taxes and bookkeeping— still falls on you. This is where Opolis and Bench step in.
Opolis provides seamless payroll and tax filing services designed specifically for freelancers and solopreneurs. As a member, you can easily structure your business as an S-Corp, saving $5k or more on social security tax and medicare tax each year. Opolis automates payroll taxes, ensures quarterly filings with federal, state, and local governments are accurate, and generates pay stubs and W-2s, which is especially useful if you’re applying for a loan or mortgage.
But what about tracking business expenses or dealing with end-of-year taxes? That’s where Bench comes in.
Bench offers a full-service bookkeeping solution that integrates smoothly with Opolis, so freelancers can track their finances, manage taxable incomes, and access expert advice on tax strategies and deductions. This partnership ensures you’re not just compliant, but also making the most of your financial situation.
Bench helps freelancers optimize for tax season by categorizing expenses, identifying tax credits, and advising on the best ways to reduce tax liability. Together, Opolis and Bench ensure you’re not leaving money on the table when filing taxes.
Building a Strong Freelance Community
Freelancing can be a lonely gig, but it doesn’t have to be. The Freelancers Union isn’t just about providing freelancer health benefits or tax help— they’re about building a thriving community of like-minded professionals. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, networking opportunities, or simply a space to connect, the Freelancers Union has you covered.
With Opolis, you get an even more focused community of self-employed professionals who understand the unique challenges of running a one-person business. Through webinars, forums, and events, this partnership ensures you’re part of a larger movement. And Bench adds another layer by connecting you with tax experts who can help you stay on top of your finances.
Legal Protection and Advocacy
Freelancers face unique legal challenges, and the Freelancers Union is there to support them. From lobbying for freelancer-friendly policies like the Freelance Isn’t Free Act to providing legal resources, they’ve got your back when things get tricky. The Union even offers legal assistance for contract disputes or payment issues.
While Opolis doesn’t focus on legal issues, it actively prevents potential disputes. With Opolis’ professional-grade payroll services and easy-to-generate pay stubs, freelancers look more credible to clients and are less likely to face payment delays or disputes.
How to Get Started
If you haven’t already joined the Freelancers Union, now’s the time. Membership is free, and the benefits are vast. Once you’re in, check out how their partnership with Opolis and Bench can elevate your freelance business to the next level.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide so you can get started:
- Join the Freelancers Union: It’s free, and you’ll instantly gain access to valuable resources.
- Sign up for Opolis: Through Opolis, you can streamline your payroll, taxes, and gain access to amazing health benefits.
- Get Bench: Sync your bookkeeping with Opolis through Bench and start taking control of your finances with expert advice on tax strategies and deductions.
The Future of Freelancing
As freelancing continues to grow, partnerships like the one between the Freelancers Union, Opolis, and Bench will be crucial. Together, they’re creating a future where freelancers have the same support systems as traditional employees— without sacrificing the freedom and flexibility that make freelancing so appealing.
With this trio in your corner, you’re not just building a freelance or solopreneur career— you’re building a sustainable business that can weather any storm. So, why juggle it all alone? Let Freelancers Union, Opolis, and Bench handle the details so you can focus on doing what you do best.
Conclusion
Freelancing is about freedom and flexibility, but it’s also about finding the right balance between independence and support. With the Freelancers Union, Opolis, and Bench working together, freelancers can enjoy the best of both worlds— without the stress of managing it all themselves.
For a deeper dive into how these partnerships can help you save money and access better benefits, sign up for our upcoming webinar with the Freelancers Union. We’ll be covering everything from S-Corp tax savings to health insurance options, plus the unique benefits of joining a co-op like Opolis.Reach out to Opolis today at [email protected] to get started, or reserve your spot in the webinar!