Hiring independent contractors? Make sure they’re properly classified - Crawford Ellenbogen

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, your business may be using independent contractors to keep costs low. But be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be costly. The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee is a complex one. The IRS and courts have generally ruled that individuals are employees if the businesses they work for have the right to control and direct them in their jobs. Otherwise, they’re generally contractors. Contact us if you’d like to discuss how the rules apply to your business.