What Independent Contractors Need to Know

April 6, 2007 — -- When looking at home-based opportunities, there's a good chance you'll have to work as an independent contractor, not an employee.

This can be a daunting prospect for many people who prefer the simplicity of employee status. However, you shouldn't dismiss an opportunity simply because you're unsure of how to handle the tax liabilities associated with being an independent contractor.

As an independent contractor, you are in essence working for yourself. Your paycheck will not have taxes deducted, so you'll be responsible for keeping track of your tax liability and planning and saving accordingly to make tax payments.

Another difference: As an independent contractor, you do not receive traditional employee benefits such as paid vacation or sick days, health insurance benefits and more. You may be able to buy into big group insurance programs at a discount rate, but the entire cost would be yours to bear.

As an employee, you use your Social Security number for tax identification purposes. As an independent contractor, you will likely need a tax identification number.

If you've formed a corporation, LLC or partnership, you will obtain a tax ID number for that entity. If you are a sole proprietor (self-employed), you may be eligible to use your Social Security number as your tax identification number. At year's end, the company or companies you've performed work for will send you a 1099 form stating your wages instead of a W2, which is reserved for employees.

There are many incentives to being an independent contractor. You are eligible to deduct the costs of maintaining your home office and other expenses from your income tax. You also have enormous freedom to pick and choose the assignments and opportunities that appeal most to you rather than being told daily what to do by one manager.

Millions of people have successfully mastered the paperwork and oversight required to become an independent contractor. If they can do it, you can too. So when considering home-based opportunities, choose the work that is most appealing to you, and then consider the employee vs. contractor status secondary.