I work in a mall and because my job is contracted through the mall, they give 1099s instead of 1040s. I am not self employed and do indeed work for a company, the company itself is independent. Because of having a 1099, I see I also have to pay an SE tax along with my social security, medicare, and income tax. This is excessive and unreasonable since I myself am not self employed. This is going to effect me greatly and I have never paid more than 15% in taxes before and an SE tax is an additional 15%! Can something be done? I am also a full time, lower income, student. I am a part-time cashier for a bookstore for the summer, I'm not an independent contractor providing a skilled service. 30% in taxes for being a cashier seems a bit much.