Am I self-employed or an independent contractor or both or something else altogether?

I am a psychology fellow (aka: soon to be licensed psychologist) in a private group practice. I do not earn a salary. The practice is reimbursed by the insurance companies for my services. Then the practice issues me a paycheck every other week. The amount of my paychecks varies from week to week but usually not more than a few hundred dollars. I receive a 1099 and pay estimated taxes quarterly. I pay my own malpractice insurance and have health insurance through my spouse. Most major business and office expenses are paid for by the practice.

I usually tell people that I am self-employed but I'm wondering if there is a more accurate term to describe my situation. Plus, lenders to give me hard time about it due to the unpredictable and inconsistent pay.

Answers:
You sound more like an employee of the company (if you are on their payroll). If you are not registered with the company as an employee, then I would say you are a permanent independant contractor thru the partnership you represent. Did the company make you sign a contract of employment?

If you were self-employed, you would have to provide your own office, file for your own insurance claims, file your own tax paperwork, etc.
Similar to a commissioned sales rep maybe?
You are more of an independent contractor than self-employed, because of the 1099, but either type gets them. This is kind of a wierd arrangement because normally a test of employee vs self-employed is whether you set your hours and schedule, but presumably the practice makes appointments for you. Since you don't have an office in the home, I would say you are an independent contractor. For various reasons, it would be a good idea to get some work with other practices for example so the IRS does not begin looking at you as an employee and challenge the practice about withholding taxes and paying their share of Social Security.
Yes, you are self employed. Tell your lenders you wish to obtain credit without stating your income. There is a word for it, but i am blank at the momment. I used to be a real estate agent, this was the norm for my business.
Are you require to work at a specific location and at specific times? Does the practice provide you with office space to do your work? Does the practice pay the employer's share of FICA?

You might want to check with your tax adviser but you may be an employee who is paid based on a commission schedule.

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