Independent Contractor vs Employee | Insurance Agent San Dimas CA (2024)

Independent Contractor Vs Employees

Working with businesses such as contractors, the question comes up quite often about if their workers are employees or independent contractors. I feel this gets mixed up quite a bit, so I decided to write this and answer some questions on what is an independent contractor, and what is an employee, and the penalties to misclassifying employees as independent contractors.

What is an Independent Contractor vs an Employee?

An independent contractor is someone who is in business for himself or herself. Independent contractors usually perform work that requires a specialized skill or trade that is not part of a company’s regular business. They also provide their own tools and equipment; and determine how and when the work is to be done.

An employee, on the other hand, is someone whom a company and employer have much more control over. An employee typically performs work that is a regular part of a company’s business. The company has control over how the employee performs the work, often providing training, guidelines, or other supervision over the work product. Employees also usually have regularly scheduled hours; work at the employer’s place of business; receive training and direction from the company; receive an hourly wage or salary.

There is a big difference between the two!

An employee is subject to various payroll taxes, minimum wage, overtime, and worker protection programs. The responsibilities for a business that hires an independent contractor are minimal. The Business does not have to file or pay payroll taxes or workers compensation insurance (although the independent contractor must pay self-employment taxes and should carry their own personal liability insurance).

A worker who is classified as an independent contractor can potentially save businesses a lot of money … that is if they are actually an independent contractor. A worker who is misclassified as an independent contractor can actually cost an employer a lot more money. The Employer is hit with severe penalties, and is responsible for the worker’s share of the payroll taxes.

You do not want to be hit with any of these penalties…!

The IRS makes the business or employer pay for back employment taxes and withholdings, and severe penalties, but the EDD with the state of California is as or more aggressive than the IRS when it comes to payroll tax audits.

Here are some of the Violations that the State of California and the EDD will fine you for misclassifying your worker.

  • $5,000 to $15,000 for each violation (A single misclassified individual)
  • $10,000 to $25,000 for each violation if the labor commissioner, or a court, determines there is a “pattern and practice” of these violations.

If you have any questions about your employees or independent contractors or want more information from us here at Jackson & Jackson Insurance Agents and Brokers please contact our office!

Written by:

Taylor J. Garcia

Business Insurance Specialist

Email: [email protected]

(626)914-9944 ex: 224

Independent Contractor vs Employee | Insurance Agent San Dimas CA (2024)

FAQs

Are insurance agents independent contractors in California? ›

Co, a California Appellate Court addressed the issue in favor of the insurance company, holding that a nonexclusive insurance agent was an independent contractor. The decision is of great importance for the insurance industry because it provides a clear roadmap on how to classify insurance agents.

What is or should be the distinction between employee agent and independent contractor? ›

Simply put, an employee works under the direct control of an employer, while an independent contractor operates under their own authority, carrying out tasks as they see fit. This difference in control over work is a key factor in determining one's status. However, it's not just about control.

What is the test for employee vs independent contractor in California? ›

Under the ABC test, that law will deem you to be an employee unless: you are free from the employer's control and direction regarding the performance of the work, both under the contract and in reality, you perform work outside the employer's usual course of business, and.

What is the new law for independent contractors in California? ›

The new rule, which becomes effective March 11, 2024, rescinds the 2021 independent contractor rule issued under former President Donald Trump and replaces it with a six-factor test that considers: 1) opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill; 2) investments by the worker and the potential employer; ...

Can an independent contractor be an agent California? ›

Under this law, a real estate agent is an independent contractor if they are: 1) licensed as a real estate agent; 2) substantially all of their renumeration is based on sales or output (i.e. commission); and, 3) have a written contract with the person/entity to whom they provide services.

What are the four factors used to determine whether someone is an independent contractor? ›

The law further states that independent contractor status is evidenced if the worker: (1) has a substantial investment in the business other than personal services, (2) purports to be in business for himself or herself, (3) receives compensation by project rather than by time, (4) has control over the time and place ...

Why use independent contractors instead of employees? ›

By engaging independent contractors, employers enjoy many benefits, such as low commitment beyond the contract terms, quick onboarding, and no additional costs, such as payroll tax, statutory contributions, and supplemental benefits.

Can someone be called an independent contractor but really be an employee? ›

What matters is that the employer has the legal right to control the details of how the services are performed. If an employer-employee relationship exists (regardless of what the relationship is called), then you are not an independent contractor and your earnings are generally not subject to self-employment tax.

What is the single standard to distinguish between employee and independent contractor? ›

An independent contractor is a worker who often owns their own business and usually enters into contracts with employers to perform a specific project, typically on a short-term basis. In contrast, employees agree to work on a regular basis for a single employer.

What happens if a 1099 employee doesn't get paid? ›

If your attempts to contact the client about payment go unanswered, you can take legal action to recover your unpaid monies. You have the right to file a pay claim with the state and federal Department of Labor if you believe you worked as an employee and not an independent contractor.

Do you need a license to be an independent contractor in California? ›

Independent contractors don't need a license to operate in the state of California, but they may have other requirements based on where they build their business. Still others will vary based on the kind of work you do.

How do I classify myself as an independent contractor? ›

You're an independent contractor if you're in business for yourself. You're an employee if you work for someone else's business and are subject to their control. Need Professional Help? Talk to a Business Law Attorney.

Can you collect unemployment if you are an independent contractor in California? ›

If you're self-employed or an independent contractor, you are not automatically eligible because your employer — you — didn't pay the taxes that fund the UI program. You'll be eligible only if you worked as an employee within the previous 18 months for a company that paid into the system on your behalf.

Can you fire an independent contractor in California? ›

This is even more important if you resident of a state with employment-at-will provisions such as California. This provision allows the employer to fire an independent contract or an employee without any reason.

What are the new rules for 1099 in 2024? ›

H.R. 7024 would increase the reporting threshold for the 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC from $600 to $1,000 for payments made on or after January 1, 2024. For future years, this threshold would be tied to inflation. The bill would also decrease the reporting threshold for payments of direct sales from $5,000 to $1,000.

What makes someone an independent contractor in California? ›

Main Difference Between Independent Contractor and Employee. Generally speaking, the difference between independent contractors and employees in California is whether or not the entity paying for services has the right to control or direct the manner and means of work (tending to signify an employment relationship.)

Who is exempt from California AB5? ›

On September 1st, 2020, the California State Legislature passed AB2257, which would exempt musicians, photojournalists, freelance writers, newspaper cartoonists, translators, appraisers and other occupations from the provisions of AB5.

Is anyone employed in California to assist an insurance agent? ›

An insurance solicitor is a natural person employed to aid an insurance agent or insurance broker in transacting insurance coverage against legal liability, including that for death, injury, disability, or damage to real or personal property.

Do you need a license to be an insurance agent in California? ›

California requires each person selling insurance in the state to hold an insurance license. You will choose which line of authority you want to be licensed in: health insurance, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, or any combination of those lines.

Top Articles
Susanoo | Description & Mythology
Is It Too Late to Buy XRP? Crypto Experts Give Their XRP Price Predictions
Craigslist Cars Augusta Ga
oklahoma city for sale "new tulsa" - craigslist
Delectable Birthday Dyes
Needle Nose Peterbilt For Sale Craigslist
Citi Card Thomas Rhett Presale
Anki Fsrs
Sotyktu Pronounce
Lesson 2 Homework 4.1
C-Date im Test 2023 – Kosten, Erfahrungen & Funktionsweise
Indiana Immediate Care.webpay.md
The Binding of Isaac
Med First James City
Troy Athens Cheer Weebly
Costco Gas Foster City
Echo & the Bunnymen - Lips Like Sugar Lyrics
Alexandria Van Starrenburg
Foodland Weekly Ad Waxahachie Tx
Busted Barren County Ky
Cinebarre Drink Menu
Wicked Local Plymouth Police Log 2022
Trivago Sf
Soulstone Survivors Igg
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive Suite 2M600
Sandals Travel Agent Login
Sand Dollar Restaurant Anna Maria Island
Truck from Finland, used truck for sale from Finland
Marlene2995 Pagina Azul
Delete Verizon Cloud
Guinness World Record For Longest Imessage
Navigating change - the workplace of tomorrow - key takeaways
Ducky Mcshweeney's Reviews
Black Adam Showtimes Near Amc Deptford 8
What Time Is First Light Tomorrow Morning
Agematch Com Member Login
Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski
Craigslist en Santa Cruz, California: Tu Guía Definitiva para Comprar, Vender e Intercambiar - First Republic Craigslist
Owa Hilton Email
Jaefeetz
Ehome America Coupon Code
Craigslist Binghamton Cars And Trucks By Owner
Best Suv In 2010
Fluffy Jacket Walmart
Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program Review [Previously Total Rewards]
Neil Young - Sugar Mountain (2008) - MusicMeter.nl
Meet Robert Oppenheimer, the destroyer of worlds
Sleep Outfitters Springhurst
Morbid Ash And Annie Drew
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6709

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.