In my last post, I explained the critical importance of properly classifying your workers as either employees or independent contractors. Indeed, I warned you that if you do not classify your workers in accordance with state and federal guidelines, your staff incorrectly, your business could be subject to hefty penalties and retroactive interest.
Since it is so important to understand how the State of Illinois and the federal government evaluate the status of a worker, I’d like to discuss this subject in greater detail. That way, you’ll become more familiar with the evaluation factors, so you can better protect your business.
Illinois’ Factors
As I’ve previously mentioned, the Illinois courts rely on a ten factor “right to control” test. This tool enables the state to conclude whether or not your workers are employees or independent contractors. The difference between the two types of workers matters from a governmental perspective for purposes of employment benefits and taxation.
These ten factors cover a wide range of circumstances. Most importantly, Illinois wants to know how closely you manage your worker. For instance, does this individual receive training, materials and direction from you? If so, it is likely that the state will conclude that you “control” the worker and therefore, this worker is properly classified as a “controlled” employee rather than an “uncontrolled” independent contractor.
Other aspects include:
- Worker engagement – Illinois will look at whether or not the worker performs duties for other employers. If he is exclusively employed by your business and is not available for hire, then the state will see him as an employee.
- Worker skill – The state evaluates the amount of skill needed to do the work in a particular company. In general, if more expertise is necessary, the state tends to classify the worker as an independent contractor.
- Employment length – The period of time a worker has offered you services can make all the difference to the Illinois courts. If this individual has worked in your company for a short time, she’ll usually be viewed as an independent contractor. Conversely, a worker who has a longer history with your business will probably be recognized as an employee.
- Payment method – If you pay your workers on a project-by-project basis, chances are that the state will see these individuals as independent contractors. On the other hand, salaried or hourly workers are more likely to be categorized as employees by Illinois.
- Integral or ancillary – An integral worker is considered part of the company’s regular business. The fact that he performs a key function in the business, it’s probable the courts will look at him as an employee. At the other end of the spectrum is the ancillary worker, who is an occasional contributor to the company and not involved in its operations on a consistent basis. The ancillary worker will likely be viewed as an independent contractor.
In general, the underlying theme to remember is how much control the business exerts over its staff members.
Similar to the state’s court system, the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act examines the amount of power you have over your workers in order to determine the correct categorization. But instead of ten factors, there are only three. Furthermore, all three of these circumstances must be met for a worker to be recognized as an independent contractor. Otherwise, the worker is deemed to be an employee.
Below are the factors this statute systematically applies:
- The business does not control the worker’s performance.
- The service cannot take place during the normal course of business or at the physical location of the company.
- The worker has to offer an occupation or profession that’s separate from your business.
Again, control is the key. This means that the less supervision you have over a worker, the better the argument for classifying this individual as an independent contractor. It’s beneficial to seek help with employment disputes from employment lawyers o help businesses navigate through challenging situations and come up with good resolutions.
The Internal Revenue Service’s Factors
Like the state of Illinois, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also evaluates employment status based on the right to control. Therefore, if you direct, train and integrate workers’ services into your business operation, for example, it’s reasonable to expect the IRS to define your staff as employees rather than independent contractors. This means that you’ll be required to pay certain taxes and possible penalties, if you have misclassified your workers.While the amount of regulation over your workers is a critical element of the federal government’s final judgment, other components are also involved to generate this decision. In total, the IRS relies on twenty different factors.
These essential circumstances include:
- Reports – If a business requires written or oral reports as part of the remote jobs, then the IRS could assume the worker is an employee. This consistent expectation suggests the worker is regularly supervised, which supports the government’s theory of permanent employment.
- Payment of expenses – If a company covers workers’ travel or business expenses, the government may conclude they are employees. That’s because the payment is interpreted as control over the workers.
- Realization of profit or loss – If workers can experience a profit or loss as a result of providing services to a business, they will be probably be viewed as independent contractors.* Working for numerous companies – If a worker provides products or services to several unrelated businesses, it’s likely the IRS will see him as an independent contractor.
- Right to discharge – If a business has the right to discharge its workers, then the IRS might regard these individuals as employees. An independent contractor is protected from being fired unless he does not live up to contract specifications.
- Right to terminate – If a worker can terminate her employment without any liability, then the federal government will generally look at this individual as an employee.
Need More Help?
Worker classification encompasses many detailed factors. So it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the numerous elements. But as a small business owner, you need to be aware that if you group your workers incorrectly, you could face harsh tax consequences. However, at DregerLaw, my team and I are well-versed in all of the factors the state and federal governments use to determine worker status. Let us make sure you’ve designated your staff correctly. For over 20 years, our experienced attorneys at DregerLaw have assisted hundreds of business owners throughout Chicago and Northern Illinois. We can help you, too.