Want to be an independent Contractor? Start your own business.
Confused about what it means to be an Independent Contractor?
Maybe you are working for a business but you want to start your own business.
Maybe your employer has suggested that you could work at home, and they will change your status to that of an Independent Contractor.
Before you make this change, you should know about some of the pros and cons of working independently.
Benefits
- Independence. You may be able to work your own hours from whatever location you choose depending on the type of job. You should be able to negotiate pay rates and a payment schedule. You will have to keep records required by your host business such as timesheets etc.
- No Tax Withholding. Some people consider it a benefit that the payments you receive as an independent contractor don’t have income tax withheld. This can be a curse if you don’t put away funds to cover this debt. It will come home to roost every year.
- Deducting Business Expenses. Expenses you pay to run your independent contractor business are tax deductible. Check what is and is not an “approved expense”, never assume.
Drawbacks
- No Guarantee of Income. Being independent also means you don’t get a regular paycheck. If you are lucky enough to work for one or more clients who pay you regularly, that’s great. Manage your cash flow and have a slush fund to cover you through lean times.
- No Benefits. One of the main reasons people stay employed is to have employer-paid benefits such as healthcare. If you need health insurance, you can get it but you will need to pay for it.
- You Still Pay Taxes. As an Independent Contractor, you still have to declare all the income from your work and you still must pay taxes and any other levies required on that income.
TIP: An Independent Contractor can have a contract. Get a written contract from each person or business you work for. Having a contract spells out “what happens when.” Having a contract can settle many disputes before they start, and you can take a contract to court to get paid, if necessary.
If you need further guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of being an Independent Contractor, consider a consultation with your Accountant. This is a critical decision which can affect your future wealth creation and your current living standards.
Need help and want to know more? Call Holmans for assistance on (07) 5430 7600 or send us an email.