Workers’ Compensation Defined
Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that protects employees from work-related injury or illness. It provides medical benefits, lost wage replacement, rehabilitation, and funeral expenses. Almost all U.S. states must purchase from the state itself, a state-run agency, or private insurance companies. Workers comp sure is important for all U.S. employees.
All employees can receive workers’ comp provided that they work at that company, has a position in the company, and use the tools and equipment of the company for their work. Other workers are not included in receiving workers’ comp seasonal workers, agricultural workers, freelancers, commission-based salesmen, and other independent contractors.
1099 Contractors Defined
Workers who provide goods or services that don’t work for a company are “1099 contractors”. They are freelancers, independent contractors, or self-employed individuals. They don’t work directly for a business and do not receive the same benefits as regular employees.
You are a 1099 contractor if:
- First, you are receiving pay per project.
- Second, you work at your own hours.
- Third, you use your own tools and equipment.
- Fourth, you can work on projects simultaneously with different businesses.
- Fifth, you can subcontract some of the work needed.
- Sixth, you are free to choose which projects to accept.
Some of the professions that are independent contractors:
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Mechanics
- Painters
- Lawyers
- Dentists
- Public stenographers
- Auctioneers
- Photographers
- Woodworkers
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Why Hire 1099 Workers?
Hiring 1099 workers can benefit your company or organization, especially if you are starting. It also has many advantages as opposed to hiring full-time employees immediately. Here are some advantages for you to consider hiring an independent contractor:
Financial savings
Hiring an independent contractor will cost less because you don’t need to give them benefits like workers’ compensation. You will not need equipment and office space as well.
Flexibility
You will only need to hire if there is a job that needs to do. Skilled professionals are for only a short period, and hiring a full-time employee will not benefit the company.
Efficiency
Independent contractors are efficient. You need not train an employee for the skills needed. Contractors already have the knowledge and expertise for the job.
Low Maintenance
There is less paperwork if you hire a contractor. It requires no withholding taxes, so there are fewer forms to fill.
Reduce Exposure to Lawsuits
A regular employee will have rights. They can easily sue you for various rights under state and federal laws. On the other hand, contractors are independent workers and are not protected by these vast arrays of rights.
Workers Comp and 1099 Contractors
Independent contractors are generally not covered under workers’ compensation. Businesses are not required to purchase this type of insurance for 1099 contractors. Since they are not considered employees, they will not be entitled to the benefits of workers’ comp.
If your business requires independent contractors, it is recommended that you require them to have their own insurance to avoid future problems and lawsuits. Ensure your contractor carries his workers’ comp and general liability insurance.
Worker Classification
You must classify your workers accordingly. There are severe penalties if an employer misclassifies employees to save on insurance and avoid liability. It is essential to differentiate them because, under the law, they are treated differently.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), there are three tests that you can use to determine the classification of your worker. They call this the Common Law Test. It consists of examining the following:
Behavioral Control
If you control the task given to workers, like giving specifics, how the work is to be completed, how long it should be done, and how many working hours are needed, then the IRS will classify them as employees.
If you have a task for workers, and they are the ones to decide how they will finish it without your intervention, they are classified as independent contractors.
Financial Control
If workers get fixed salaries and appropriate taxes are withheld, they are employees. They also get mandatory benefits like health insurance.
Contractors get their pay per project and don’t have benefits at all. They pay their own taxes and are responsible for their own liability insurance.
Type of Relationship
If you hire workers indefinitely, they are already employees. If hired for a specific period of time, they are contractors.
On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Labor and most U.S. states use the ABC Test to determine workers’ status. If workers satisfy these 3 criteria, they are classified as independent contractors.
Absence of Control
Workers are free from the control and direction of the hiring entity. They do not conform to the work time and schedules of the employer.
Business of the Worker
The worker performs work that is the usual course outside the usual of the hiring entity. They do jobs for a short period of time.
Customarily Engaged
The worker is customarily in an independent trade or business of the exact nature of the work.
Insurance that the 1099 Contractor Needs
Being a responsible employer, you must ensure that your 1099 contractors have their own insurance to protect their businesses. There are several insurance policies that they can avail of. Some standard coverage needed is:
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance covers injuries and property damage on the job site. It also helps cover legal fees if you file a lawsuit against the contractor.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
This type of coverage pays for legal fees if the contractors are sued for negligence, mistakes, and failure to deliver goods and services. This type of insurance is best for lawyers, financial advisors, consultants, insurance agents, and real estate agents.
Commercial Auto Coverage
Contractors are often on the road. They will need commercial auto insurance if they use their cars for work. Regular auto insurance will not cover any vehicle used for work purposes.
Workers Comp
If your independent contractor has employees, they need to purchase workers comp. This will protect them from out-of-pocket costs if their workers injure themselves.
Disability Insurance
This is a kind of insurance that pays a pre-stated weekly benefit in the event an independent contractor is not able to work due to an injury or other disability. It would require a certain waiting period after the injury before the policy begins to pay. The premium cost will depend on the pre-selected waiting period, occupational risk, and weekly salary percentage.
Performance Bond
A performance bond is a guarantee that the work needs to do satisfactorily. If not, the bond needs to repair or complete a job. This will protect the employer or hiring entity from poor workmanship or service.
Depending on the type of job your independent contractor does, the above-mentioned coverages can be part of your contractual agreement with the 1099 contractor to protect you both from financial losses.
Employee or Independent Contractor?
Hiring an employee or independent contractor will depend on the work needed. Some tasks require regular updates and maintenance, which would require a full-time employee. Some tasks must be done quickly and require a specific skill or expertise, which a 1099 contractor can do.
For example, you own a restaurant and need a graphic layout for your Thanksgiving special promo. Instead of hiring a full-time employee to do layouts that require a particular skill, you can hire an independent contractor instead to do it for you. An employee will have nothing to do since your special promos are seasonal. Hiring a contractor will be a wiser option.
But if you need a bartender in your restaurant, you will need a full-time employee to come to work daily. You can train the worker for the job because employers will be long-term. Contractors cannot satisfy your need since they can also have other jobs that conflict with the time you need them.
Deciding which one you need will always be dependent on the job that needs to be done. You need to weigh the pros and cons because whichever you choose, there will be some responsibilities that you will need to assume. Once you hire an employee, you are responsible for his well-being in the workplace. When you hire a contractor, you are responsible for making sure that your agreement includes liability insurance on their part.
Our Last Say
Suppose you need workers’ compensation or general liability insurance. In that case, you can always trust Advantage Insurance Solutions in Denver, CO, to guide you in choosing the best coverage for your employees. Expert agents are here to help you with all your insurance needs. So, call or text us now!