Is an S-corp subject to IRS/state "common law" rules that treat an independent contractor as an employee?
I’ve had an S-Corp in MA for more than 2 yrs. I have a website, business cards, etc and have had (and continue to have) more than half a dozen clients during this time. My biggest client, whom I’ve performed services for for a couple yrs is concerned that I can be considered an employee under the IRS and MA common law rules that can penalize the employer (my client) w/ back taxes, benefits, etc) by determining that I should have been treated as an employee. My contention is that as an S-Corp that pays myself a salary (I’m the only employee) as well as unemployment insurance, etc – that I could not be considered an employee. Thus, they are not at risk.
Is my analysis correct?
One Response
Chuckie O
25 Oct 2009
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You work your own hours with your own equipment, and hold yourself out for business to various clients. Your client, even if it is your largest client, even if it sets a deadline, would be not be your employer by any stretch.
Actually, being an S-corp isn’t the deciding thing; the control is.