W-2 or 1099? Who Really Qualifies as an Independent Contractor in 2027?

LIVE ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

Is your business classifying workers correctly? The difference between an employee and an independent contractor isn’t always obvious. A worker you treat as a 1099 contractor may actually meet the criteria for employee status under applicable federal or state rules.

Join renowned payroll expert Vicki M. Lambert, CPP, for a practical, in-depth webinar on the rules governing worker classification in 2027. Learn how the IRS, Department of Labor (DOL), and state agencies determine worker status, where their rules differ, and what employers need to consider before issuing a W-2 or 1099.

Session Highlights:

• IRS Worker Classification Rules: Understand the classifications permitted under IRS rules and how to determine the correct status.
• The Common Law Test: Explore the common law rules and the three key IRS factors used to evaluate worker relationships.
• IRS vs. DOL Standards: Understand how IRS classification rules differ from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements and why both matter.
• State Classification Rules: Learn how state requirements, including the ABC test for unemployment insurance, can affect independent contractor status.
• Federal and State Enforcement: Explore information-sharing agreements and enforcement initiatives used by the IRS, DOL, and state agencies to identify potential misclassification.
• Form SS-8: Discover how to use Form SS-8 to request an IRS determination of worker status.
• W-2 vs. 1099 Reporting: Understand who should receive a W-2 and who qualifies for Form 1099 reporting.
• Audit Triggers: Identify common situations that can attract scrutiny and increase the likelihood of a worker classification review.
• Penalties and Employer Responsibilities: Understand the potential financial consequences of misclassification and which agencies may impose them.
• Correcting Misclassification: Learn what steps to consider when you discover that a worker has been incorrectly classified.

Why You Should Attend: 

Worker classification involves more than deciding whether to issue a W-2 or a 1099. Different agencies may apply different standards, and getting the classification wrong can lead to unexpected tax liabilities, back wages, penalties, and administrative challenges.

This webinar will help you understand the rules, recognize potential classification issues, and make more informed decisions about your workforce in 2027.

Who Should Attend:

• Payroll Executives, Managers, Administrators, and Professionals
• HR Executives, Managers, and Administrators
• Accounting and Finance Professionals
• Business Owners and Executive Officers
• Operations and Departmental Managers
• Payroll Compliance Specialists
• Attorneys and Legal Professionals
• Anyone responsible for worker classification, payroll reporting, or employment compliance

During the Q&A session following the live event, ask a question and get a direct response from our expert speaker.

Important Notice for Our “Live” Attendees: If you have enrolled in the “Live Webinar,” you will get your instruction kit before 24 hours of the live class.

For Recorded and E-transcript Participants: If you have signed up for the “Recorded” class or for the “E-transcript,” you will get access to the “Recording link” or the “PDF” within 24-48 hours of the live class.