<prompt> Human: Being classified as an independent contractor has presented a dilemma for me. I am now realizing that I am being taxed more because of this self employment tax and I dont have much in the way of expenses to write off. The profit-sharing payment setup I am under seems to be slightly flawed, and I dont know how to approach the owner of the company about it. Considering the fact that my pay is affected by the business expenses rent, supplies, construction, advertising, etc., I feel I should be able to write-off the amount that I did not receive because of those expenses. Is that a fair request?On a side note, what is your opinion on me being classified as an independent contractor? I dont actually have my own company, and I am only payed through the revenue of this single store... The taxes are quite high because of it, I have to send quarterly tax payments because of it, and it just seems a bit off in general. Thanks for your time  <response>: Considering the fact that my pay is affected by the business expenses rent, supplies, construction, advertising, etc., I feel I should be able to write-off the amount that I did not receive because of those expensesIt may seem fair, but that is not available to you unless you are part owner of the business. You should bring it up with the owner because it sounds like you are taking the kinds of risks that an owner should take.On a side note, what is your opinion on me being classified as an independent contractor? Separate question. IRS has a primer on it. Probably the one take home that everyone should know is that its not discretionary. The employer cant decide whether someone is an employee or a contractor; theres a bright line between them, it has to do with the nature of the work and the way the work is conducted. If you really are the GM of a store - you are told to show up at a store during set hours and told what kind of work you are to do - you are an employee, not an independent contractor, and your boss is breaking the law by misclassifying you. 