What it means to be an independent contractor?

Many business hire independent contractors to work for them. Many of non phone work from home jobs will require you to be an independent contractor, not an employee. If you are hired as an independent contractor, you will have to fill out a W-9 form for the employer. A W-9 form is a request for tax identification number, which for most individuals is their SSN. An employer needs your tax id to report payments made to you. If in a given year you have been paid $600 or more, the employer is required to report this to the IRS via form 1099. A copy of this form should be provided to you.

Being an independent contractor also means that you will be responsible for your taxes. So keep meticulous records of payments received.
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