Problem: Which of the following statements about the costs of misclassification of a worker as an independent contractor is correct. Multiple choice question. Penalties include 50 percent of Social Security (FICA) taxes and 15 percent in wages. Punishment by the Internal Revenue Service for misclassification of an employee as an independent contractor is usually lenient. An employee is made liable for its share of Social Security (FICA) and unemployment compensation (FUTA) taxes. Misclassification of a worker as an independent contractor may result in other liabilities for violations of certain state and federal labor laws.