Hiring & Payroll
“Should my first hire be a W-2 employee for tax purposes?”
Whether a first hire is treated as a W-2 employee for tax purposes often depends on the level of control over the work, how the role is structured day to day, and whether the person is operating as an independent business or as part of the company’s regular operations. The answer can also be influenced by payroll setup, benefits, and how the worker is paid and supervised. In many cases, the distinction affects withholding, employment taxes, and recordkeeping, so the facts around the working relationship matter more than the job title alone. A targeted review with a CPA can turn the uncertainty into a clear next step.
In your 60-minute session, the KGOB advisor handling it will:
- Read your exact situation and tell you, in plain English, what’s actually going on.
- Lay out your options and the trade-offs — no jargon, no judgment.
- Give you a clear next step you can act on, whether that’s with us or on your own.
“As a freelancer hiring my first employee in Alabama, what do I need to set up?”
“As a freelancer hiring my first employee in Alaska, what do I need to set up?”
“As a freelancer hiring my first employee in Colorado, what do I need to set up?”
“As a freelancer hiring my first employee in California, what do I need to set up?”
“Should I pay someone as a 1099 contractor or an employee for tax purposes?”
“How do I know if I should hire someone as a contractor or employee for taxes?”
This page is a prompt to start a conversation, not tax or legal advice, and states no tax-law specifics as fact. A consult session does not by itself create an ongoing engagement. We do not promise specific outcomes or savings. Kohari Gonzalez Oneyear & Brown PLLC — Charlotte, NC.
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