Which tax form is used for independent contractors?

The 1099 form is specifically designated for reporting income paid to independent contractors. When businesses hire independent contractors, they are not considered employees; instead, contractors are classified as self-employed individuals. As such, businesses report the payments made to these contractors using the 1099 form, which details the total payment made within a year.

The 1099 form, particularly the 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC (the latter being more common for reporting non-employee compensation), is essential for self-employed individuals when they file their taxes, as it reflects their earnings and helps them report their income accurately to the IRS.

In contrast, the W-2 is used for employees, reporting wages and withholdings; Schedule C is part of the personal income tax return for reporting business income or loss, while the W-4 is a form filled out by employees to indicate their tax withholding preferences. Each of these forms serves different purposes within the realm of taxation, but the 1099 is the correct choice for independent contractors, ensuring they document the income earned from various clients.