Independent Contractor Rights

If you want to succeed as an independent contractor, you will have to know some basics.

Many employers tend to misclassify contractors and it takes away some benefits. Know your rights and create a contract for every project.

As an independent contractor, you will be in close contact with various government agencies like Internal Revenue Service, Worker’s Compensation Offices, Social Security Administration, and the Department of Labor. It is important that you know your rights in order to uphold the best interested of your business.

Some Facts You Should Know

Companies will not withhold the taxes in behalf of independent contractors and so the latter must file a quarterly tax. If you’re an independent contractor, you have to make sure that companies don’t misclassify you. You have your rights and when you know the rules, you will know if your rights are being stepped on.

Businesses pay independent contractors for certain services such as consulting work. There are tax and special legal considerations that you should know to protect your rights. Once you decide to work from home as an independent contractor, freelancer, telecommuter, or consultant, it is important that you uphold your rights so that companies or businesses will not take advantage of your services.

You need to be aware that employers can’t dictate where you want to work. You can work from home if you want but you have to make sure that the project is done on the agreed time. There is also the issue of micro-management. Employers don’t need to micro-manage you all the time. It is your right to work on the projects when and where you want to, as long as you finish it on time. Training is also not required even if it involves a long-term contract. Although micro-management can’t be avoided in some situations, one some point is has to end.

The advantage of being an independent contractor is that you work how and when you choose. You have the right to finish projects how you want them to go and employers can’t meddle with that although suggestions can be given from time to time for best results. There are also issues about copyright ownership. Most employers will draft a contract that says that they own the project. Without this as a backup, the ownership will remain with the independent contractor and he/she has the right to publish or sell it.

To protect your rights as an independent contractor, there is a need to create a contract prior to starting any kind of project. The project should stipulate your rights and the extent of intrusion of the employer or company. When both parties agree and sign the contract, everything in it should be implemented. Know your rights and you will not be abused.

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