It depends on your project's scope, duration, and compliance requirements. C2C contractors are generally better suited to long-term, high-value, or specialised projects where reduced misclassification risk and formal liability protection matter. 1099 workers are a stronger fit for one-off, short-term, or fast-turnaround needs where speed of engagement is a priority. For enterprise clients, C2C arrangements are often preferred due to their lower compliance risk.

A freelancer and an independent contractor are similar in many ways - both are self-employed and work outside of a traditional employment relationship - but the terms aren't identical. Freelancers typically work on short-term projects across multiple clients, while independent contractors may have longer engagements and more formalised agreements. The distinctions go beyond job titles and can affect how you're taxed and classified. For a full breakdown of both terms and every other key classification in the industry, see our Freelancer & Contractor Glossary.