51 promoted automation versus one that promoted features like control and accessibility. Among Payable users, 12.7 percent of people clicked on the “control” version and 15.7 percent of people clicked on the “automation” version. This is what we call the “say/do” dilemma. People may say they want something, but that doesn’t necessarily represent their behavior—what they will actually do. In this case, 1099 contractors  said  they wanted high accessibility of their money, but when given a choice, they opted for an option that was less work. In hindsight, this all makes sense. Imagine how difficult it would be for W-2 employees to shift to handling their taxes manually. While theoretically it may be nice to have this agency and power, taxes are likely something that you’d prefer not to spend time thinking about. WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN? The takeaway: We need to support businesses that help 1099 workers manage their tax liabilities or—even better support policies that allow for automatic withholdings by the company to further reduce the burden on the end user. First, hiring companies can help by opting for a payroll system that allows 1099 workers to receive payment into two different accounts, including one designated to pay their taxes. Most W-2 workers can elect to have their paycheck automatically deposited in a savings account and a checking account. Contract, or 1099, workers need the same benefit. Second, many contractors owe quarterly taxes. However, in our 2016 study of Payable users, only 16 percent knew they needed to pay quarterly taxes. As a hiring company, you can notify your 1099 workers that they should be saving for taxes in general and have quarterly deadlines. And last, we need third-party solutions to step up and fill the gap. The burden cannot fall on the employee and it’s unrealistic to imagine employers will accept all of it. Thus, we need organizations that can act on behalf of 1099 workers to provide these services that have proven demand in the market. The authors wish to thank the MetLife Foundation for supporting Common Cents Lab. View the original article on NextBillion