Working With Independent Contractors

Hire independent contractors without running into trouble

Independent contractors (ICs) do every conceivable type of work―from accounting to web development―and “gig economy” websites make it easy to find and hire qualified ICs. Working with independent contractors saves your business money and gives you flexibility in hiring. But there are risks in trying to establish IC relationships. Simply calling a worker an independent contractor doesn’t make them one. This book shows you how to avoid mistakes that can lead to lawsuits or costly fines from the IRS and state agencies.

Learn how to:

• determine who qualifies as an IC
• document the IC relationship in a written agreement
• assess the risks of hiring freelancers and gig workers
• safeguard your company’s intellectual property, and
• handle―and settle―an IRS audit.

The 10th edition―completely revised to reflect the latest changes in the law―includes detailed examples of how a business should hire independent contractors.

With downloadable forms: comes with invaluable forms that let you document a worker’s IC status and create strong contracts. Easy to download and tailor to your own situation, details inside.

Stephen Fishman has dedicated his career as an attorney and author to writing useful, authoritative, and recognized guides on business, taxation, and intellectual property matters for small businesses, entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and freelancers. He is the author of 20 books and hundreds of articles, and has been quoted in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, and many other publications. Among his books are Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide, Deduct It! Lower Your Small Business Taxes, and Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Gig Workers of All Types, published by Nolo. He is a two-time recipient of the Independent Book Publishers Association’s Benjamin Franklin Award.