Employee or an Independent Contractor, sometimes it’s hard to tell.
Are you an independent contractor or an employee? As the pandemic continues, many long-time employees are now picking up jobs as contractors.
States like California are trying to force the definition of employees upon companies. However, getting it wrong could cost you plenty in the way of Social Security, Medicare taxes, and other employment-related taxes. Here is what you need to know.
The basics:
As a contractor – If you are the worker and you are not considered an employee, you must;
- pay self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare related taxes) and,
- make estimated federal and state tax payments and,
- handle your own benefits, insurance, and bookkeeping
As an employer – You must ensure your employee versus independent contractor determination is correct. Getting this wrong in the eyes of the IRS can lead to;
- payment and penalties related to Social Security and Medicare taxes
- payment of possible overtime, including penalties for a contractor reclassified as an employee
- legal obligation to pay for benefits
When determining the answer, consider:
Generally, state and federal taxing authorities look at the business relationship between the employer and you, the worker, when determining the employment status. The IRS focuses on the degree of control exercised by the business over the work done, and they will assess your level of independence.
Here are some tips:
•The more the employer has the right to control your work; when the work is done, how the work is done, and where the work is done, the more likely you are an employee.
• The more the financial relationship is controlled by the employer, the more likely the relationship will be seen as an employee and not an independent contractor. To clarify this, an independent contractor should have a contract, have multiple customers, invoice the company for work done, and handle financial matters in a business-like manner.
• And, the more business-like the arrangement, the more likely you have an independent contractor relationship.
Don’t forget your obligations.
Because so many workers are now in the contractor ranks, it is important to stay on top of your tax filing obligations. With 15.3 percent of your income due for FICA (Social Security and Medicare), forgetting to pay this can quickly become a financial nightmare.
And there are no hard and fast rules; the more reasonable your basis for classification and the more consistently applied, the more likely an independent contractor classification will not be challenged. However, beware as states are trying to constantly move contractors into the ranks of employees, all of which can cause chaos as companies and workers try to understand the changes these initiatives create.
Don’t trust just anyone with your taxes. Let a highly skilled professional Enrolled Agent get you the best results. Jeffrey Schneider, EA, CTRS, knows all the ins and outs and the current tax laws and will take all the possible deductions available to you. Contact us today and see how we can help you. 772-337-1040 or book an appointment
