Will I get a W-2 as a consultant?

Question

I worked for the state of RI to do some consultant work. It was a short amount of time and a small sum of money--$2,500. I don't think I was considered an employee, but will they send me a W-2 for that work? How does claiming that on my taxes work? I'm doing my taxes online right now and the way I did it, they took about $500 out of my return. That seems a bit steep for only $2500 of work!

Answer 1

Did you fill out a w4 upon employment with them? (Where you write down the amount of exemptions you got). If so, you will get a W2 from them by Jan. 31st sent out in the mail. Even if you only worked for $5. The trick is: If you got an actual paycheck that took out taxes, then you'll get a W2.

If you didn't get taxes taken out, you will receive a 1099 form from them because to them you were considered an outside contractor, so when you do your taxes, you are subject to self employment tax.

Did you give them your SSN? If you did, they reported your income to the IRS. If you didn't, that means you got paid under the table. I would just call their payroll department just to be sure what and if you'll get something back from them.

Answer 2

If they took taxes out before you were paid, they were paying you as an employee. If you had been paid as a consultant, it would have been the full $2500 and you would have to pay the taxes in your quarterly returns.

You should get a W-2 from them. I believe they have until the end of January to send it to you.

Answer 3

Did they take FICA out of your pay? What did the stub say? If they did not take it out you are responsible for your own tax as well as FICA at 15.3%. You will need to complete a Schedule C as well as a Schedule SE.

If you can wait a week or two, you will get Form 1099 or Form W-2 in the mail. That will tell you one way or the other for sure.

Answer 4

I don't think you'll get at W-2. You will probably receive a 1099 that you can use.