EmploymentQuestion 968 of 1605
At year-end, how does a business report compensation to (1) an employee versus (2) a properly classified independent contractor?
a.Neither receives any form
b.Both receive a 1099-NEC
c.The employee receives a W-2; the independent contractor receives a 1099-NEC (for $600 or more)
d.Both receive a W-2
Explanation
An employee's wages and withholdings are reported on Form W-2. A properly classified independent contractor paid $600 or more in a year receives Form 1099-NEC (nonemployee compensation) and handles their own taxes. Issuing a 1099 does not by itself make someone a contractor; classification still turns on the ABC/Borello tests, and misusing 1099s to disguise employees is a common misclassification red flag.
Law Reference: Form W-2 and Form 1099-NECPractice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
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