5 Steps To Ease Hiring An Independent Contractor

An independent contractor can change the way any business operates for the better.

According to Lesley Pyle founder of HireMyMom.com outsourcing parts of a business, small business leaders can take advantage of the opportunity cost associated with delegating task-based assignments.

Hiring an independent contractor need not be difficult. In fact, it essentially involves two simple steps:

  • 1. Defining your needs and resources
  • 2. Completing the required paperwork and processes to hire an independent contractor.


Defining Your Needs: Determining the scope of work is the first step in hiring. This creates a realistic overview of the position and helps clarify responsibilities, timeframe, and estimated number of hours needed to complete the project. Be sure to include both the primary skills needed and your desired results from the contractor’s role:
 

  • Primary responsibilities and skills needed
  • Desired results from the task or role


Independent contractors typically trade on niche skills. For example, freelancers, like artists, editors, and writers, are often independent contractors, highlighting the wide variety of roles you may consider hiring for. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set guidelines for determining if someone is an employee or an independent contractor for you to consider.

Find the Right Resource: When you decide to hire an independent contractor, you take it upon yourself to find the right person for your needs. Niche platforms like HireMyMom.com  source qualified candidates specifically looking for remote or contract work. You can save time and money by turning to a site dedicated to matching qualified professionals with small businesses.

Paperwork and Processing: Finding the right contractor isn’t the end of the story. There are a few more steps business leaders must follow before they can start supercharging their business efficiency through contractor work.

Collect the Right Forms: Filing paperwork often seems like a chore, but the benefits deserve attention. The right forms offer clarity, protection and peace of mind for both you and the contractor.

Securing the proper documents at the beginning of the relationship will ensure you are getting off on the right step. According to The Balance Small Business, there are several forms to collect and keep on file:
 

  • A completed W-9 tax form.
  • A contract
  • A resume and reference information.


Additional Forms to Consider Depending on the Scope of Work:

  • A non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
  • A non-compete agreement
  • A non-solicitation agreement


Laws can vary by, country, state, and country, particularly if you’re hiring out of your local region. Moreover, these laws can be difficult to understand on your own. Consult an attorney to make sure your business doesn’t run into issues in the future.

Bring in a Pro to Answer Any Questions: Laws relating to employment status and taxes can also be confusing. The IRS offers some guidelines for making the correct choices. A tax attorney or accountant can answer specific questions and provide advice when hiring people or businesses to partner with.

Lesley Pyle is the founder of HireMyMom.com, a boutique service connecting Small Businesses with Virtual Professionals across the country.


 

Section: 
HR Administration