Each taxpayer gets one W2 form per employer at the end of the year. This form details gross income, state, federal and local taxes paid through payroll deductions, as well as other deductions (retirement plans, whatever).

This is as opposed to a 1099-MISC, which is the form contract workers get from each employer at the end of the year. A 1099-MISC usually shows only the gross amount paid to the worker.

The point is that a person who gets a W2 is a regular employee, whereas one who gets a 1099 is contract labor.

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