I Don't Want to Be Considered an Employee — What Do I Do?

If you were added to your company's StretchDollar Benefits Portal and don't think you should be classified as an employee, it almost always comes down to one of the situations below. Find the one that matches your case for the fastest fix.

"I'm a 1099 contractor, not an employee."

Independent contractors are not eligible for ICHRA and shouldn't be enrolled as employees. Let your company's StretchDollar Admin know so they can remove your employee record.

"I'm an owner, partner, or majority shareholder (or their spouse/dependent)."

Business owners with more than 2% ownership — and their spouses or dependents who also hold over 2% — are treated by the IRS as self-employed, not as common-law employees, and are not eligible to participate in an ICHRA. See Why can't S-Corp owners participate in the StretchDollar ICHRA? for the full explanation and what to do instead. Your Admin can remove your employee record once this applies to you.

"I was added by mistake, or I already left the company."

This is a data entry issue on the company's side. Let your Admin know so they can correct or remove the record. If you've already been terminated but are still showing as active, flag that directly — it affects your reimbursement eligibility.

"I am an employee, but I don't want this benefit."

That's different from not wanting to be classified as an employee at all — and it's a simple self-service step. When you set up your own Benefits Portal account, you'll be given the option to Accept, Waive, or Learn More about your benefit. Choosing Waive lets you decline the benefit while remaining an employee. If you don't see that option, ask your Admin to check your enrollment status.

None of these match your situation?

Email support@stretchdollar.com and include: your role at the company, whether you're paid on a W-2 or 1099 basis, and exactly what you'd like changed. That level of detail lets our team resolve it in one pass instead of going back and forth.

This information is general guidance, not tax or legal advice. If your situation involves ownership percentage, self-employment status, or tax reporting, consult a CPA or tax advisor to confirm how it applies to you.