November 13, 2020
As a worker, figuring out if you're an independent contractor or an employee is important. The answer affects your legal rights, steps you can take to enforce them, and how you pay income tax. Yet the question is often tricky, as there are several factors in play. We've got a new page to help: Are you an independent contractor? The page includes scenarios to help you story match, to better understand your situation. Here's an example.
Andrew works for a landscaping company during the summers while he attends college. The company decides what projects Andrew works on, and when he needs to arrive at the job site. They provide most of the tools and equipment, but Andrew is responsible for his own transportation. He’s paid an hourly rate set by the company. When he signed on, his boss told Andrew he’s an independent contractor.
On our new page, learn whether Andrew is an independent contractor or an employee.
This page is part of our expanded coverage for those working in the gig economy. Other new pages include options for alternative work arrangements, requesting flexible work (including a template letter to make the request), and the legal issues in play if you're self-employed.
Many thanks to lawyers Trevor Thomas and Richard Johnson for reviewing the new pages for legal accuracy. (And congrats to them and David Brown on opening up their new law firm, Ascent Employment Law!)