Independent Contractor or Employee? That is the Question!
A person can provide services to a company as an employee or an independent contractor depending upon the nature of the relationship between the service provider and the company. Misclassification of employees as independent contractors remains a primary focus of many government agencies, including the IRS, U.S. Department of Labor, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Reemployment Assistance Programs, and Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. Investigations by these agencies can be extremely costly, time-consuming, and even lead to personal liability and criminal penalties!
The presentation in the following link explains the detailed federal and Florida tests that are used by these four agencies to properly classify service providers. It also provides practical examples in which the tests can be applied. Additionally, the presentation includes guidance to help mitigate the potential for employer liability regarding other wage and hour complexities and pitfalls.