Fleets: Do Truckers Need 1099s or W-2s?
Well, let’s get right down to it here – there are a lot of mixed emotions out there over what tax classification drivers belong to. I mean, misclassification continues to be a subject of contention for both companies and drivers.
So how should your fleet approach classification?
When you bring on a new driver, you should determine if they’re a full-time employee or an independent contractor from the start. Depending on their status, you’ll either need to send your drivers a W-2 or 1099 come tax time. Now we’ve heard stories from some drivers where companies won’t discuss employee status until tax forms are due, but we suggest clear and open communication with your drivers from day one. Sure, some fleets might be tempted to put the burden of taxes on a company driver and send them 1099, but that route can only be traveled with specific conditions geared towards independent contractors.
Basically, treating a full-time employee as an independent contractor will just lead the IRS to your doorstep. And let’s face it, the IRS will come for their money one way or another! Might as well keep your filing legitimate and make things easy on your crew.
Truckers: Independent Contractor or Company Driver?
When you get right down to it, your status as an employee needs to be determined before you’re hired. There are specific guidelines from the IRS on contractors who receive 1099s, and you owe it to yourself to know your status.
It all comes down to how you work – if you’re an independent contractor, you will have to cover your end of government expenses, but you also have more choice in how you haul. Now, if you are an independent contractor (like a co-driver), you are probably used to the 1099 routine. We know it can take a while to get your returns straightened out, so we suggest e-filing a tax extension.
Okay, But How Can I file W-2s and 1099s?
With employee status already established, all you have to do is file for the proper tax form. Now if you’ve used ExpressTruckTax before, you know we like our tax software fast and easy-to-use. That’s why we suggest you check out ExpressIRSForms for filing your 1099s and W2 forms. Designed by the makers of ExpressTruckTax, ExpressIRSForms is perfect for any sized company in need of W2 and 1099 forms. With postal mailing, bulk upload, and multiple users, your fleet’s IRS forms will be filed in no time. Not only that, but if you need to get a trucker’s EIN for 1099, they even offer free e-signing for Form W-9! You can also enjoy the same level of customer support you’ve come to expect from ExpressTruckTax.
Visit https://www.expressirsforms.com/w2-form-online/ to know more about filing W2 Form online.
Visit https://www.expressirsforms.com/e-file-form-1099/ to know more about filing 1099 Form online.
Speaking of tax forms, larger fleets with over 50 full-time employees count as Applicable Large Employers, which means they need to file for Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) compliance. The good thing about ExpressIRSForms is that they also offer e-filing for Forms 1094 & 1095. You could say they’re kind of a one-stop shop for all your IRS tax forms!
If you have questions about 2290s and tax forms, contact our US-based support team by phone at 704.234.6005, email at support@expresstrucktax.com, and live chat at our website.