🎯 What You Get as an S2S Coach
📋 What Does "1099 Independent Contractor" Mean?
S2S coaches are independent contractors, not employees. This means you operate your own coaching business — you set your schedule, set your rates, and work with the clients you choose.
As an independent contractor, you are not entitled to employee benefits such as health insurance, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, or paid leave. You are also responsible for your own taxes — S2S does not withhold federal or state income taxes from your earnings.
This arrangement gives you the freedom and flexibility to run your practice your way, backed by S2S's infrastructure and client base.
✅ What We're Looking For
- Personal experience with recovery, re-entry, or the challenges your clients face — lived experience is your most powerful credential
- Passion for helping others navigate recovery, life challenges, or career transitions
- Ability to hold space without judgment — you meet clients where they are
- Basic communication skills — text, video, or phone sessions with clients
- Willingness to complete S2S Academy onboarding and certifications (available in the platform)
- A bank account or debit card to receive Stripe payouts
💰 Payment & Tax Information
💳 How Payments Work
- You set your rates. No minimums, no maximums — charge what reflects your value and your market.
- Stripe processes all payments from clients securely. No cash handling, no invoicing.
- Earnings deposit to your bank on a weekly basis (standard Stripe payout schedule). You'll connect your bank account when you complete your profile setup.
- We handle the billing infrastructure — you focus on coaching.
📊 Platform Fee by Plan
| Plan | Platform Fee | You Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 25% | 75% |
| Standard | 20% | 80% |
| Unlimited | 15% | 85% |
Upgrade your plan to keep more of every session. See plans & pricing.
🗂️ Tax Documentation for Independent Contractors
1099-NEC Form: If you earn $600 or more in a calendar year through S2S, you will receive a Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) by January 31 of the following year. This form reports your total earnings to the IRS and to you for your tax filing.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes: As a self-employed contractor, you are generally required to pay estimated federal income taxes quarterly (April, June, September, January). The IRS provides Form 1040-ES to help you calculate and pay estimates. Most states have similar requirements — check your state tax authority's website.
Self-Employment Tax: Self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes (15.3% on net earnings). You may deduct half of this amount on your federal return as an above-the-line deduction.
Business Deductions: As an independent contractor, you may be able to deduct legitimate business expenses — internet, phone, coaching software, home office, continuing education. Keep accurate records throughout the year.
IRS Resources: Self-Employed Tax Center | About Form 1099-NEC | Form 1040-ES (Estimated Tax)
S2S is not a tax advisor. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Ready to start coaching?
Submit your coach application and our team will review it. Once approved, you'll set up your profile, connect Stripe, and start appearing in client searches — typically within a few business days.
Apply to Become a Coach →S2S provides a platform for independent peer support coaches. Coaches are 1099 independent contractors — not employees. S2S does not provide licensed therapy, counseling, mental health treatment, or clinical services. Tax information on this page is provided as general education only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.