Of course it would be easier to hire an independent contractor and not have to deal with the employee payroll taxes, but that is why the IRS says that you can't do it. Here is the IRS 20 factors to determine if the worker is an employee subject to payroll and employment taxes:
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Originally Posted by IRS The traditional tests to determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor involve the concept of control: Are the services of the worker subject to the Taxpayer's will and control over what must be done and how it must be done? In Revenue Ruling 87-41, 1987-1 CB 296, the IRS developed 20 factors used to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor under the common law. Remember: the burden of proof is on the taxpayer; therefore, in general, at least 11 of these factors must show independent contractor status under the common law tests.
For the following questions, a "yes" answer means the worker is an employee.
1. Does the principal provide instructions to the worker about when, where, and how he or she is to perform the work?
2. Does the principal provide training to the worker?
3. Are the services provided by the worker integrated into the principal's business operations?
4. Must the services be rendered personally by the worker?
5. Does the principal hire, supervise and pay assistants to the worker?
6. Is there a continuing relationship between the principal and the worker?
7. Does the principal set the work hours and schedule?
8. Does the worker devote substantially full time to the business of the principal?
9. Is the work performed on the principal's premises?
10. Is the worker required to perform the services in an order or sequence set by the principal?
11. Is the worker required to submit oral or written reports to the principal?
12. Is the worker paid by the hour, week, or month?
13. Does the principal have the right to discharge the worker at will?
14. Can the worker terminate his or her relationship with the principal any time he or she wishes without incurringliability to the principal?
15. Does the principal pay the business or traveling expenses of the worker?
For the following questions, a "yes" answer means the worker is an independent contractor.
16. Does the worker furnish significant tools, materials and equipment?
17. Does the worker have a significant investment in facilities?
18. Can the worker realize a profit or loss as a result of his or her services?
19. Does the worker provide services for more than one firm at a time?
20. Does the worker make his or her services available to the general public? |
If you determine that the person can be an independent contractor, you must report (1099Misc) the amount paid if you pay $600 or more for the year. If you are going to pay $600 or more as a contractor, I would suggest that you have a written agreement signed by the contractor that spells out that they agree that you are not their employer and not withholding or responsible for any taxes.
The truth is that you can probably get by treating them as independent contractors if:
1. If the worker is temporary and not going to claim unemployment and agrees to not be an employee and
2. You are only talking about a small amount of money relative to other business deduction on your tax return and
3. You file the IRS forms 1096 (transmittal) and 1099misc (nonemployee compensation) forms for all payments even those under $600.
my 2? ??
