It can be confusing when you’re expecting a W-2 and instead get a 1099-NEC. That form changes everything about how you handle your taxes. (If you are an employer with questions about whether someone is an employee or contractor, this article is for you.)
The simplest way to think about it:
This distinction shapes how you pay taxes, what you can deduct, and what forms you’ll need to file. Let’s walk through the differences, why the IRS treats them differently, and how to handle them come tax time.
When you’re an employee, your employer sets your hours, provides the tools you need, and often offers benefits like health insurance and paid time off. Taxes come out of each paycheck automatically. At the end of the year, you get a W-2 showing what you earned and what was withheld.
As an independent contractor, you’re in charge. You set your own hours, use your own equipment, and work on your own terms. There’s no withholding, and no one else is paying into your Social Security and Medicare on your behalf. When tax season comes around, you’ll get a 1099-NEC listing what you were paid with no taxes taken out.
The IRS sees employees and contractors as very different situations. Employees have taxes withheld from each paycheck and get employer contributions for Social Security and Medicare. Contractors, on the other hand, are responsible for everything themselves.
If you’re self-employed, no taxes are withheld for you. You’re expected to keep up with your own payments. You’re also responsible for both halves of Social Security and Medicare taxes. The IRS calls this the self-employment tax.
It can be a shock the first time you get a 1099 and realize no taxes have been paid yet. The good news? Once you know how it works, you can avoid surprises.
No. If you’re paid as a contractor, the money you get is gross income—no taxes have been taken out. That means you’ll need to handle it yourself.
The IRS expects most independent workers to make estimated tax payments each quarter. It’s how they make sure taxes come in steadily, not just in April.
Yes, and it’s one of the biggest differences when you get a 1099.
Self-employment tax covers Social Security and Medicare. The total is 15.3% of your net income. Employees pay half of this through paycheck deductions, but as a contractor, you pay both halves.
This self-employment tax is on top of your regular income tax. That’s why the bill can be bigger than you expect. Planning for this early in the year makes it much easier to handle.
Yes, and this is one of the best advantages of being self-employed. You’re only taxed on your profit, not every dollar you earn.
Common business deductions include:
Save your receipts and track your expenses throughout the year. Good records mean a lower tax bill and fewer headaches if you’re ever audited.
You’ll use Schedule C to report your self-employment income and expenses. Schedule C goes with your personal tax return (Form 1040). It shows:
That net profit is what the IRS uses to figure out your income and self-employment taxes. Tax software can walk you through it, or you can work with a tax pro if you’d rather not deal with the details.
It might. With an S corporation, you become both an employee and an owner. You pay yourself a reasonable salary, which is subject to self-employment tax. Profits above that salary might avoid some of those extra taxes.
This setup can mean real savings, but it comes with more rules and paperwork. If you’re earning a healthy profit, talk to an accountant to see if an S Corp makes sense.
These are the most common mistakes:
The fix? Keep good records and consider checking in with a tax professional if you’re unsure. A short conversation can save you big headaches later.
Getting a 1099 doesn’t mean you’re doomed. It means you’re running your own business in some form, with the responsibility (and flexibility) that comes with it.
Here’s what to do next:
It’s a learning curve, but you don’t have to do it alone. A little planning now can make tax time smoother and cheaper. If you’re not sure where to start, a qualified tax pro can help you build a plan that fits your business.