Employee Vs Contractor Checklist

Employee or contractor? Get it wrong and face $50-$2,300 per worker in IRS penalties, back taxes averaging $15,000-$40,000, and potential criminal charges. This Employee Vs Contractor Checklist evaluates behavioral control, financial independence, and relationship factors using IRS guidelines. Document each classification decision with clear evidence. The DOL recovered $322 million in wages last year from misclassification cases. Test behavioral control factors, evaluate financial arrangements, assess relationship permanence, and apply IRS 20-factor test. Protect your business with systematic evaluation that prevents devastating penalties.

Behavioral Control Tests


□ Does company control when work is performed?
□ Does company control where work is done?
□ Does company dictate how work is completed?
□ Does company provide detailed instructions?
□ Does company provide training?
□ Does company evaluate process vs. just results?
□ Is worker required to follow company procedures?
□ Must worker attend company meetings?
□ Is worker supervised directly?
□ Must worker work full-time for company?
□ Can worker delegate tasks to others?
□ Assessment: More control = Employee


Financial Control Indicators


□ Does worker have significant investment in equipment?
□ Does worker pay own business expenses?
□ Can worker realize profit or loss?
□ Does worker advertise services publicly?
□ Does worker maintain business location?
□ Is worker paid hourly/weekly/monthly?
□ Does worker invoice for services?
□ Can worker work for multiple clients?
□ Does worker have business liability?
□ Does company provide tools/supplies?
□ Are worker’s expenses reimbursed?
□ Assessment: More independence = Contractor


Relationship Factors


□ Is there written contract defining relationship?
□ Does company provide employee benefits?
□ Is relationship permanent/indefinite?
□ Is work integral to company’s business?
□ Does worker receive paid vacation?
□ Can either party terminate at will?
□ Will relationship continue after project?
□ Does worker have job title?
□ Is worker integrated into organization?
□ Does worker have company email/cards?
□ Is worker listed in company directory?
□ Assessment: More integration = Employee


IRS 20-Factor Test


□ Instructions given to worker
□ Training provided
□ Integration into business operations
□ Services rendered personally
□ Hiring of assistants
□ Continuing relationship
□ Set hours of work
□ Full-time requirement
□ Work on premises
□ Order/sequence of work set
□ Oral or written reports required
□ Payment method (hourly/weekly vs. project)
□ Payment of expenses
□ Provision of tools/materials
□ Significant investment by worker
□ Profit or loss possibility
□ Working for multiple firms
□ Services available to public
□ Right to discharge
□ Right to terminate


Legal Compliance Check


□ Review federal classification rules
□ Check state employment laws
□ Verify tax withholding requirements
□ Assess workers’ compensation needs
□ Review unemployment insurance
□ Check minimum wage applicability
□ Verify overtime requirements
□ Review benefits obligations
□ Check discrimination law coverage
□ Assess FMLA applicability
□ Review union considerations
□ Document classification decision


Risk Mitigation Steps


□ Document all factors considered
□ Use written agreements
□ Be consistent in classification
□ Review classifications periodically
□ Maintain supporting documentation
□ Consider safe harbor provisions
□ Get professional advice if uncertain
□ Audit current classifications
□ Correct misclassifications promptly
□ Train managers on proper classification
□ Monitor for changes in relationship
□ Update as laws change


How the Employee Vs Contractor Checklist works


Test behavioral control: who directs when, where, and how work happens daily? Evaluate financial factors: who provides tools, pays expenses, and bears business risk? Assess relationship: is work ongoing or project-based in nature? Apply all factors together; no single factor determines classification alone. Document your analysis in writing carefully. Review classifications periodically as relationships evolve.

DOL investigations found 30% of audited employers misclassified workers. Average penalties are $15,000-$40,000 per worker including back FICA, unemployment taxes, and fines. Criminal misclassification carries $1,000 fines and 1-year imprisonment under federal law. One mistake triggers audits of all contractors, multiplying exposure. Proper classification prevents catastrophic penalties that bankrupt businesses and destroy reputations.


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