Written by
H&R Block Advisors
In most states, when you pick up shifts through GoTu, you are not a traditional employee of the offices you work at. You are an independent contractor. That independence is what gives you the freedom to:
- Decide when, where and how you work
- Select the shifts and offices that fit your lifestyle
- Accept opportunities that align with the rates you are willing to work at
Because you are in control, GoTu provides you with a 1099 form at tax time.
In a few states, regulations require professionals to be classified as employees. In those cases, GoTu follows state law and provides a W-2 instead. No matter the model, the GoTu experience stays the same: you choose the shifts that work best for you.
What Is a 1099?
A 1099 is a tax form used to report nonemployee compensation. That’s just IRS language for income earned as a contractor, freelancer, or gig professional.
For dental professionals using GoTu, here’s what that means:
- If you earn $600 or more in a year through GoTu, you’ll receive a 1099-NEC from us.
- This form shows the total income you earned through GoTu shifts.
- The IRS gets a copy too, so it’s important to keep the form handy for your tax return.
Why You Get a 1099 (Not a W-2)
You might be used to getting a W-2 if you’ve worked as a traditional employee in a dental office. That’s different from how GoTu works in most states.
| W-2 Employee | 1099 Independent Contractor (with GoTu) |
| Employer sets your hours | You choose your hours |
| Employer decides where you work | You pick the office and shifts |
| Pay rate determined by the employer | You decide which rates you accept |
| Taxes withheld from paycheck | You handle your own taxes |
Enjoy Additional Benefits with an LLC
To make the most of your 1099 status, many professionals choose to form an LLC. An LLC can open doors to additional tax benefits, liability protections, and a more professional business structure.
GoTu has partnered with Block Advisors by H&R Block to make this easier for you. Through this partnership, you can get support in creating your own LLC and enjoy the advantages of being a 1099 contractor even more. To learn more about the partnership, head to the partners section in the GoTu app.
What to Do With Your 1099 During Tax Season
When you receive your form:
- Review it: Make sure your name, SSN/EIN, and totals match your records.
- Use it to file: Report this income when you file your tax return.
- Track expenses: Since you’re an independent contractor, you may be able to deduct costs like mileage, uniforms, supplies, CE credits, and professional licenses.
Dental professionals using GoTu have the unique advantage of building a career around their lives, not the other way around. The 1099 you receive is simply the tax form that reflects that independence.
So when it arrives, know that it’s more than paperwork; it’s recognition of your flexibility, your freedom, and your choice to take control of your career.
This article is for informational purposes only. The content may not constitute the most up-to-date information and should not be construed as legal advice.
