My employee is paid a small hourly scale any where from 6.5-8 dollars an hr. I also pay commissions which is supposed to be the primary way to make money.
Can I just pay him by check and give him a 1099 at the end of the year?

If it helps I live In CT

Not if he's an hourly employee. It does not sound like he's an independent contractor. If he's not then paying him by check and issuing a 1099 wouldn't work. I suggest reviewing the rules on independent contractor vs employee at the IRS site.

You said the magic words "My employee". If he is an employee you must collect payroll taxes, file them with the government and give the employee a W-2 at the end of the year.

If you need help with this let me know.

Shirley

Agreed; if you pay an hourly wage, then he/she is an employee, NOT an independent contractor.