In practice
The consultant’s company invoices for the work and handles its own payroll, taxes and benefits. Many IT contracts are offered as C2C, but each client or prime vendor decides whether to accept it.
Compare with W2, where the consultant is an employee, and 1099, where the consultant is paid directly as an independent contractor.
How it shows up in a posting
“Open to C2C or W2.” That line means the client accepts both. “W2 only” means a consultant with their own company cannot be submitted on a C2C basis.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every IT contract accepts C2C.
- Ignoring insurance requirements that often come with C2C engagements.
- Confusing C2C with 1099, which is an individual contractor.
Where this fits in a staffing workflow
Most of the day-to-day work around this term is finding the right requirements and getting a clean submission out quickly. MatchWire automates the sourcing, matching and resume tailoring steps and leaves the judgment calls to your recruiters.
Frequently asked questions
Is C2C the same as 1099?
No. In C2C the contract is between two companies. In 1099 the contractor is an individual paid directly.