Classification with the IRS
Emory must ensure that individuals are properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor to meet IRS guidelines. Proper worker classification is important because it has a huge influence on how workers are paid. The difference between how an employee and independent contractor are treated comes down to the taxes that must be paid on wages and benefits each worker is eligible for.
Item | Employee | Independent Contractor |
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Taxes and Benefits | Employees' wages are generally subject to Unemployment Insurance Tax, Workers Compensation, Social Security and Medicare Taxes. They are also eligible for overtime and benefits including health insurance, retirement, paid time off, holiday pay, etc. | Independent Contractors generally do not receive benefits because they perform their services in a manner determined by themselves instead of their employer. In addition, no taxes are paid on their wages. |
Tax Filing | Employees receive a W-2 at year end from their employer. | Independent Contractors receive a 1099-MISC at year end from the employer. |
Business-Related Expenses | Business-related expenses are generally paid for by the employer. | Business-related expenses are generally paid for by the Independent Contractor. |
Fines and Penalties | If the worker was classified as an independent contractor instead of an employee, and it was unintentional, the employer faces at least the following penalties, (based on the fact that all payments to misclassified independent contractors have been reclassified as wages):
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