I'll assume this is your first year to file, so here are some VERY basic answers:
Self employment is ... well ... self explanatory. You work for yourself. It includes those who pay themselves their salary, withholding their own taxes and remitting them to the appropriate government agencies (if applicable).
If you babysit or cut lawns, sell your own produce, are an independent contractor such as a web designer, but achieve the income level where you have to file a tax return, then you are self employed.
If you own or are a partner in a company and pay yourself through that company, you are self employed (that one gets stickier...depending on whether it's an S corp, C corp, how much of it you "own", etc).
If you get a check from the McDonald's Corporation or J.C. Penney's...you are NOT self employed. Most students will fall into this category.
The type tax form you file will be dependent on several things. Again, I assume this is your first year to file. Otherwise, you can look at last year's form and you will PROBABLY be filing the same type this year. Most students in average situations will be able to file the shortest type of form...1040EZ.
But you should check with the IRS. Here is a site that can help you make the determination as to which form.
Tax Topics - Topic 352 Which Form – 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ? ![bbtitle]](/images/misc/cc_logo.gif){kind=logo}
