---
title: "Independent contractor (1099): Meaning for Small Business Owners"
description: "An independent contractor is a worker who runs their own business and is paid on a 1099 form, not through payroll as an employee."
url: https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/independent-contractor
publisher: Peachtree VA
book: https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/contact
---

Hiring

# Independent contractor (1099)

An independent contractor is a worker who runs their own business and is paid on a 1099 form, not through payroll as an employee.

An independent contractor sets their own methods and often works for several clients. The business pays an agreed fee for the work, and the contractor handles their own taxes and benefits. In the United States, contractors usually receive a Form 1099 instead of a W-2.

For a small business, contractors add flexibility. You can buy the hours you need without running payroll. Classification rules are strict, though, and depend on facts such as control and independence. Read [1099 vs W-2](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/1099-vs-w-2) and confirm your case with a CPA or attorney.

Peachtree VA's virtual assistants are 1099 independent contractors, and they are U.S.-based. Before an assistant joins a client, we run interviews, skills assessments and background checks, and they sign an [NDA](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/non-disclosure-agreement). See our [VA services](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/va-services).

[Peachtree VA can helpU.S.-based virtual assistants for small business](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/va-services)

## Related terms

-   [1099 vs W-2](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/1099-vs-w-2)
-   [Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/non-disclosure-agreement)
-   [U.S.-based virtual assistant](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/us-based-virtual-assistant)

## Get your week back.

Book a free, no-obligation strategy call. We will map out what to hand off first, and you leave with a plan whether or not you become a client.

[Book a free strategy call](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/contact)[or email info@peachtreeva.com](mailto:info@peachtreeva.com)

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