I am not sure what the business cards and listed as a business in the state where the do business has to do with this. If they are a contractor and are not incorporated, I would expect a 1099 NEC for amounts over $600. If they don't have business cards or otherwise show that they are a business, then perhaps they should have received a W-2 for all the amounts they received and not be considered a contractor. Is that the point that you are trying to make? I do agree that it is not my job to allow or disallow deductions but to point out what they need to do to be in compliance with the law.