"I need some advice.... I do consulting work in addition to my regular job and do not want to pay all that tax at the end of the year on 1099 type earnings.... would a sep ira be possible in this instance ?"

Yes. You can deduct about 15% of your self-employment income.
You may also need to pay quarterly estimated taxes unless your withholding on your regular job covers 100% (110% if you are very
well paid) of your 2000 taxes. You may also need to make state
estimated tax payments.
Good luck! Chris

I have asked this question as well.....here was my question and Pixy's answer:

Subject: Re: SEP IRA AND 401K

Greetings, Soonergrad1, and welcome. You asked:

I also have about $20,000 per year in self employment (1099) income. Even
though I am covered by a retirement plan at work, can I still contribute
to a SEP-IRA? I am already maxing out a Roth IRA. Want to contribute to
SEP-IRA and have my employer's retirement plan, but don't know if I would
get in trouble for the SEP because I am already covered by a retirement
plan. I have looked through the IRS pubs and this is not addressed.

Rest easy. You may contribute to both a Roth IRA and a SEP-IRA even if you
are covered by the retirement plan at another place of work.

Your SEP-IRA contribution will be based on your self-employed earnings
only, and the pre-tax contribution will max out at about 13.04% of the
gross from that work.

Regards..Pixy