Nursing for staffing company W2 or 1099

kerric511 · Jan 11, 2010

In my experience I've seen/done both. It depends on the agency, they usually don't give you a choice, but again, it depends on the agency.

Pegasus65 · Jan 12, 2010

With a 1099 you are totally responsible for all your own taxes. Basically you are self-employed. Be careful with these, as you can wind up owing a ton of money at the end of the year because of self-employment taxes. Both my husband and I have been 1099 employees before and frankly I am glad we now work where the taxes are deducted. Saves a big headache and a huge check to the IRS (unless you have paid quarterly) at the end of the year!

Have a great evening!

Lacie, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2010

I also prefer the W-2 as with a 1099 you also are locked into NO unemployment benefits etc should you need them. I ended up paying 100% of my ss and medicare taxes. You would be considered and independant contractor. At least with a W-2 you most likely are considered an employee and have some protection along with the employer contributing to your ss and medicare taxation.

caliotter3 · Jan 12, 2010

I read somewhere where the major reason that employers use the 1099 is to avoid unemployment payments and the hassle with the taxes by shifting all these responsibilities to the worker. If you read info put out by the IRS, most employees are just that, employees, and not independent contractors, as employers would like everyone to believe, to their benefit. My employment with agencies has been the W-2 route, which is just fine with me.

losbozos · May 10, 2011

OK, I am in tax hell. I worked for an agency for the last two months in 2010 and Jan 2011. I had no idea they weren't taking money out for taxes--my ignorance is my only defense. Now I owe over $3000 to the Fed. and $800 to my state. I haven't finished my taxes, yet and got an extension. How can a place get away from this? I haven't added up my expenses while working for the agency but hoping this will help. I don't have the money to go to a tax specialist and using tax software. Any suggestions?

caliotter3 · May 10, 2011

Next time, ask when hired. Your pay statement should have been a giveaway when you didn't see the listed deductions.

losbozos · May 10, 2011

I know, I know. I was stupid about that. But, I do have deductions which should help.