Independent Contractor Agreement Lawyers in Orlando, Florida 

Many small businesses and larger companies hire independent contractors. If you need temporary or freelance work, independent contractors can be a cost-saving method to get additional help for your business. There are many benefits to hiring independent contractors. For example, you don’t have to pay employment tax, you don’t have to provide independent contractors with health insurance benefits, and it is much easier to terminate a contract worker than to fire an employee. Many companies hire independent contractors for seasonal, short-term work, or for work when the demand for labor can vary throughout the year. However, it is incredibly important that you are clear about the terms of the contract and the relationship between your company and the contractor. Failure to clearly outline the nature of the work and the relationship can leave you on the hook for payroll taxes and all the responsibilities of hiring an employee. If you plan to hire independent contractors, protect your company. Speak to our independent contractor agreement lawyer at Legal Counsel, P.A. in Orlando, Florida. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321.

What You Should Include in an Independent Contractor Agreement 

If you plan to hire independent contractors, you should have an independent contractor agreement in place. These agreements not only protect you, but they also clearly outline the responsibilities of your contractors, reducing the risk of disputes or litigation. What should an independent contractor agreement include in Orlando, Florida?

• Specify the distinction between the contractor and employee. The first thing you’ll need to make clear in an independent contractor agreement is that the contractor is NOT an employee. Employers have certain responsibilities when hiring. They are responsible for paying certain taxes and for taking out taxes from an employee’s pay check. With independent contractors, a company doesn’t have these responsibilities. The contractor will be responsible for self-employment taxes and for paying their taxes on their own. Failure to be specific about this distinction in your independent contractor agreement can create disputes later if a contractor fails to pay taxes or asks why employment taxes haven’t been taken out of his or her paycheck. In order to avoid disputes, it is important to get your independent contractor agreement right. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. and speak to our independent contractor agreement attorney in Orlando, Florida to learn more about your options and rights.
• While you may want to outline some responsibilities (deliverables) in your independent contractor agreement, it is important that responsibilities don’t infringe on the rights of your contractor. For example, you cannot prevent your independent contractor from taking work from other clients, you cannot tell these workers how to perform their jobs, or tell them how to run their daily schedules. At the end of the day, independent contractors must deliver (say create the website, paint the house, or do your accounting), but you cannot tell them where, when, or how to do their job, unless the when, where, or how is specifically associated with the task for which you are paying your contractor. It is important to get this aspect of your independent contractor agreement right because you’ll also want to include specifics in the contract about when the task should be completed and how much you will pay. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. and speak with our independent contractor agreement lawyer in Orlando, Florida who can assist you with drafting an agreement that’s right for you, your business, and your contractors.

When hiring independent contractors, it is important to remember that the responsibility is on the company doing the hiring to prove to the IRS that the contracted individual is an independent contractor. One way to protect your interests should you ever be audited, is to have well-executed independent contractor agreements with your independent contractors. If you have questions about your rights and obligations, reach out to our independent contractor agreement lawyer at Legal Counsel, P.A.  in Orlando, Florida who can assist you with these kinds of contracts and help you understand your responsibilities when working with contractors. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321.

Independent Contractor Agreements for Freelancers in Orlando, Florida 

If you are a freelancer or independent contractor, you may also want to have a contract that you draw up with your clients. Not only does this increase your professionalism in your field, but it also protects you should a payment dispute arise. An independent contractor agreement should include specific information about how and when you will be paid and the scope of work you will perform. These specifics will vary depending on your field. If you are an independent contractor and need help creating a contract for your services, contact Legal Counsel, P.A. and consult with our independent contractor agreement lawyer in Orlando, Florida. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321.

Hiring Independent Contractors? You Need an Independent Contractor Agreement 

Having an independent contractor agreement is essential to protecting your business interests. Failing to have a proper agreement on file can lead to increased tax burdens, disputes, and other issues. Protect your business interests. Consult with our independent contractor agreement lawyer at Legal Counsel, P.A. in Orlando, Florida. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321