So, you want to be an Independent Contractor?

Confused about what it means to be an Independent Contractor? Maybe you are working for a business but you want to start your own business. Maybe your employer has suggested that you could work at home, and they will change your status to that of an Independent Contractor. Before you make this change, you should know about some of the pros and cons of working independently.

Benefits

Independence. You may be able to work your own hours from whatever location you choose depending on the type of job. You should be able to negotiate pay rates and a payment schedule. You will have to keep records required by your host business such as timesheets etc.

No Tax Withholding. Some people consider it a benefit that the payments you receive as an independent contractor don’t have income tax withheld. This can be a curse if you don’t put away funds to cover this debt. It will come home to roost every year.

Deducting Business Expenses. Expenses you pay to run your independent contractor business are tax deductible. Check what is and is not an “approved expense”, never assume.

Drawbacks

No Guarantee of Income. Being independent also means you don’t get a regular paycheck. If you are lucky enough to work for one or more clients who pay you regularly, that’s great. Manage your cash flow and have a slush fund to cover you through lean times.

No Benefits. One of the main reasons people stay employed is to have employer-paid benefits such as healthcare. If you need health insurance, you can get it but you will need to pay for it.

You Still Pay Taxes. As an Independent Contractor, you still have to declare all the income from your work and you still must pay taxes and any other levies required on that income.

TIP: An Independent Contractor can have a contract. Get a written contract from each person or business you work for. Having a contract spells out “what happens when.” Having a contract can settle many disputes before they start, and you can take a contract to court to get paid, if necessary.

If you need further guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of being an Independent Contractor, consider a consultation with your Accountant. This is a critical decision which can affect your future wealth creation and your current living standards.

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Disclaimer
The advice provided is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice or formal advice on what what your obligations to your employees are under employment law. Any assistance we provide is factual in nature, directing to the location where you can make the correct determinations of how much you should be paying to your employees. Any assistance with interpretation of awards or pay rates will be provided by suitably qualified legal or employment law experts.