Here are seven things every business owner should know about hiring people as
independent contractors versus hiring them as employees.

1. The IRS uses three characteristics to determine the relationship between
   businesses and workers:
   • Behavioral Control covers facts that show whether the business has a
     right to direct or control how the work is done through instructions, training
     or other means.
   • Financial Control covers facts that show whether the business has a
     right to direct or control the financial and business aspects of the worker's
     job.
   • Type of Relationship factor relates to how the workers and the
     business owner perceive their relationship.
2. If you have the right to control or direct not only what is to be done, but also how it is to be done, then your workers are most likely employees.
3. If you can direct or control only the result of the work done -- and not the
   means and methods of accomplishing the result -- then your workers are probably
   independent contractors.  
4. Employers who misclassify workers as independent contractors can end up with
   substantial tax bills. Additionally, they can face penalties for failing to pay
   employment taxes and for failing to file required tax forms.
5. Workers can avoid higher tax bills and lost benefits if they know their
   proper status.
6. Both employers and workers can ask the IRS to make a determination on
   whether a specific individual is an independent contractor or an employee by
   filing a Form SS-8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal
   Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding,with the IRS.
7. You can learn more about the critical determination of a worker’s status as an Independent Contractor or Employee at IRS.gov by selecting the Small Business link. Additional resources include IRS Publication 15-A, Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide, Publication 1779, Independent Contractor or Employee, and Publication 1976, Do You Qualify for Relief under Section 530?

Please contact GTL at (818) 509-0066 should you have any questions or need assistance with preparing annual Form 1099's and/or Form W-2's.