Private Patrol Operator Practice Test

What type of worker is a W-2 form typically associated with?

1. Independent contractors

2. Regular employees

3. Freelancers

4. Self-employed individuals

The correct answer is: Regular employees

A W-2 form is specifically associated with regular employees, who are considered part of the workforce of a company or organization. Employees receive a W-2 at the end of the tax year, which reports their annual wages and the amounts withheld for federal, state, and other taxes. This form is crucial for employees when they file their annual tax returns because it provides a detailed account of their earned income and the taxes that have already been paid on that income. In contrast, independent contractors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals typically receive a different form, such as a 1099, which reflects payment for services provided rather than wages earned as part of an employment relationship. Therefore, the W-2 form is a clear indicator that the individual is an employee, subject to withholding and having specific rights and benefits that come with that status, such as unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.