The Aligned Ledger bookkeeping and fractional CFO services in Dallas-Fort Worth
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    5. 1099 vs. W-2
    CFO & Strategy

    1099 vs. W-2

    Definition

    1099 designates independent contractors; W-2 designates employees. Misclassification carries significant legal and tax penalties.

    Why it matters

    Many growing businesses default to 1099 for cost reasons, then face IRS or state audits. The classification rules are about control and integration, not preference.

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    The Aligned Ledger — boutique bookkeeping and fractional CFO firm in Dallas–Fort Worth

    Boutique bookkeeping and CFO advisory for business owners, entrepreneurs, and families managing multiple entities.

    Your numbers. Your story. Aligned.

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    Industries

    • All Industries We Serve
    • Professional Services
    • Wealth Management
    • Family Offices
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Construction
    • Healthcare
    • Real Estate
    • SaaS & Startups

    Locations

    • Dallas
    • Fort Worth
    • McKinney
    • Plano
    • Frisco
    • Allen
    • Addison
    • Richardson
    • Southlake
    • Prosper
    • Celina
    • Denton
    • The Colony
    • Preston Hollow
    • Irving
    • Grapevine

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
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    Guides

    • Fractional CFO in DFW
    • Multi-Entity & Family Office Bookkeeping
    • Month-End Close in Dallas
    • CFO vs Controller vs Bookkeeper
    • How Much Does Bookkeeping Cost?
    • Outsourced Accounting Services
    • Outsourced Bookkeeping for Startups

    Free Tools & Templates

    • 30-Day Onboarding Checklist
    • Month-End Close Checklist
    • 13-Week Cash Flow Model
    • Fractional CFO Decision Guide
    • CPA-Ready Books Checklist
    • Working Capital Dashboard
    • Automation Risk Checklist
    • Job Costing & WIP Tracker
    • Scope & Pricing Checklist
    • Margin Leakage Worksheet
    • Vendor & 1099 Tracker

    Client Case Studies

    • Frisco Real Estate: 7 LLCs Consolidated
    • Plano SaaS: Series A Readiness
    • McKinney Construction: WIP Reporting Fix
    • Dallas Family Office: 14-Entity Consolidation
    • Plano Multi-State: Three States, One Close
    • Fort Worth Pro Services: Back-Office Institutionalization

    Disclaimer: This firm is not a CPA firm. We do not provide tax preparation, payroll processing, bill pay services, or attest services (audits/reviews). Bookkeeping and advisory support is for management use; tax filing is handled by the client's CPA. We are happy to coordinate with your existing tax and legal advisors.

    © 2026 The Aligned Ledger. All rights reserved.

    7300 State Highway 121, Ste 300-330, McKinney, TX 75070 · (214) 264-8242