How to Hire Independent Contractors and Freelancers

Learn what kind of workers are considered independent contractors.

An independent contractor is a person who is in an independent trade, business, or profession in which he or she offers services to the general public. An independent contractor is a person who works on a project as a freelancer rather than as an employee.

Learn the pros and cons of hiring independent contractors.

When you look at the advantages of using independent contractors and the vague issue of which workers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, it is no surprise that some businesses push the envelope.

It’s critical that you correctly determine whether the individuals you hire are independent contractors or employees. Learn about the common test for determining independent contractors.

Facts that show whether the business has a right to direct and control how the worker does the task for which the worker is hired include the type and degree of...

It’s important to know that “control” is the most important factor for employers. The less control exercised over the individual, the more likely they will be considered independent contractors. Also, you may need to limit supervisory powers over the independent contractors as much as possible.

Facts that show whether the business has a right to control the business aspects of the worker's job include...

A practical tip is to have Independent Contractors use their own tools and resources. You should avoid providing the means and location for independent contractors to perform their work. If it is impracticable for the independent contractors to work from home or their own space, have them pay rent for using the business’s property and resources.

Facts that show the parties' type of relationship include...

Of course, do not underestimate the difficulty of applying these standards to specific individuals performing services. In doubtful cases, always consult a knowledgeable business law attorney.

If it is still unclear whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor, you may file Form SS-8 “Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding” with the IRS. This form is to request a determination of the status of a worker under the common law rules for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding.

► See attached Resources for SS-8 Form.

Once you’re sure you’re working with Independent Contractors, you need a legal agreement to govern your relationship with the Independent Contractor.

Learn what an Independent Contractor Agreement and why you absolutely need one if you're working with independent contractors.

► See attached Resources for a sample Independent Contractor Agreement that you can use to hire independent contractors.

If you’ve made the determination that the person you’re paying is an independent contractor, you also need the the contractor complete Form W-9 Form.

This form is used to request the name and Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN, of the worker. A TIN may be either a Social Security Number (SSN), or an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

► See attached Resources for W-9 Form.

If you pay an independent contractor $600 or more in payments, you must file Form 1099-MISC with the IRS and file Report of Independent Contractor (DE 542) with the Employment Development Department.

► See attached Resources for 1099-MISC Form and DE 542 Form.

Now that we’ve covered all of the essential topics we need to know about independent contractors, here are the 3 top tips that we need to discuss before hiring independent contractors.

Learn how to contact me & discounts on future courses.

We discussed what type of workers are considered independent contractors, advantages of being an independent contractor, risks of being an independent contractor. We also deeply went into detail in how to determine independent contractors vs employee. We also touched upon Form SS-8 for Determining Worker Status. We also talked about Independent Contractor Agreements. And we went over the top 3 tips when dealing with independent contractors.

Do you work with independent contractors or freelancers? Do you want to avoid getting in trouble with the law and the IRS?

In an easy and actionable course, I'll show you the necessary steps you need to take to hire independent contractors.

I'm a business lawyer and I have years of experiencing guiding people on how to legally hire independent contractors while staying away from legal trouble.

If you find yourself on this page, that means you’ve already taken the first step in hiring independent contractors and freelancers to help your business. Entrepreneurs usually use independent contractors for specialized, short-term work and it’s a great way to try out a worker before committing to a longer term.

In this course, I will clearly explain how to legally hire independent contractors and freelancers for your business and explain and even provide the contracts and forms you need in hiring freelancers.

WHY DO I NEED TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

You can save considerable amount of money by classifying a worker as an independent contractor rather than an employee. However, the Department of Labor and the IRS target businesses that use independent contractors.

There are some associated risks of working with independent contractors.

Employer misclassification of employees as independent contractors, either inadvertently or to avoid taxation and regulation, is widespread but very risky.

In many states, you can face heavy violations for misclassifying employees as independent contractors.

By enrolling in this course, you can get all of your questions answered by a business lawyer.

COURSE TOPICS

• Who is an independent contractor, freelancer or consultant - what kind of workers are considered independent contractors
• Benefits and risks of hiring independent contractors
• How to determine independent contractors vs. employees - tests for determining independent contractors
• Quiz on determining independent contractors vs. employees
• Independent Contractor Agreement - what is an independent contractor agreement and who needs one. The course comes with a complete sample independent contractor agreement for immediate use.
• Forms you need to hire independent contractors, including W-9 form and Form 1099-MISC and Form DE 542
• Top 3 tips about hiring independent contractors you need to know before hiring freelancers

BONUS

• Ready Sample Independent Contractor Agreement you can use immediately to hire independent contractors
• Forms W-9, 1099-MISC, and DE 542 which you need to legally hire independent contractors
• Get All of Your Legal Questions Answered by a Business Attorney by enrolling this course

WHAT YOU GET

• Over 17 video lectures clearly explain the steps necessary in hiring independent contractors
• Lifetime access, ask questions, and see the newest information available about legally hiring independent contractors!
• Ready Sample Independent Contractor Agreement you can use immediately to hire independent contractors
• Unlimited Questions You Can Get Answered by a Business Attorney
• Certificate of Completion
• Discounts on future courses
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with our course for any reason whatsoever, I will offer you a full refund. No questions asked.

Thank you for making this the best selling independent contractor course on Udemy! I show my gratitude by consistently making new lectures and answering your legal questions in the course discussion!

What are you waiting for?

This course is easy and simple to understand and actionable that you can use to immediately hire independent contractors.

Don’t forget that this course is covered by Udemy’s 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - so you don’t have anything to lose.