Am I an independent contractor and will I get penalties?

I work for a cleaning company that has labeled me as an independent contractor. The work is on average 3-5 hours per day, 2 days a week, at 40.00$ per job regardless of time worked, paid in cash. I have worked for them for about 4 years now and have not gotten a 1099 from them 3 of those 4 years. My boss is now trying to fire me for false reasons and I want to know what consequences the company can face as well as myself and if i am actually a independent contractor.  

I also never received any hiring information, contract to sign, or anything denoting if I am an employee or not. There was also no application process. The one 1099 that I received was 3 month after the end of filing deadline and incurred a massive penalty for me.