Epic Privacy Browser Forums

Hey everyone,

I’ve been digging into the differences between W-2 employees and 1099 independent contractors, especially with all the changes happening in 2025. It feels like the rules are getting stricter, and I keep seeing warnings about misclassification leading to a 1099 audit. That sounds like something no business wants to deal with.

I’m curious how others are handling this. How are you deciding whether someone should be on payroll (W-2) or working as an independent contractor (1099)? I know it’s not just about whether someone works remotely or sets their own hours—it seems like there are more specific guidelines now around control, job duties, and the nature of the working relationship.

If you’re an employer, freelancer, or HR professional, how are you adapting to these classification rules in 2025? What red flags should we be looking out for? And if you’ve been through a 1099 audit, what was that experience like, and what helped you prepare?

Would really appreciate any advice, insights, or resources. Thanks!