<prompt> Human: Please point me in the right direction if this is the wrong place for this type of question.I am new to being a contractor so for all I know I could be taken advantage of each week. Currently I live in Texas, my boss and the company I work under is in Georgia.Each pay check my boss takes out;Retainage - 5 of my total earnings for that pay period. It is to cover any costs if I up and leave. I know this is only taken out until it reaches a certain amount, what that is I am unsure. It is also to be returned at the end of my employment from what I understand.Workers compGeneral Liability - 10 of my total earnings of the pay period. I am really unsure what the purpose of this is, since Im 1099 arent I responsible for my own injuries if I get hurt on the job? Any information will be helpful at this point. I am making good money, but I worry there may be someone skimming off the top. Thanks for any help! If I left anything out, please let me know I will add it as needed.  <response>: Based on your question, you should first consider reviewing any contractual documents you signed. In it, it should define any deductions from your pay and should clearly state their purpose of being deducted. In general, an individual would hire someone as an independent contractor and would not be subject to the taxation that someone receiving a W-2 would. Make sure you read carefully over any documents you signed and review them for any clauses that would explain any deductions from your gross pay. 