If you are hiring an employee, they need to complete Form W-4 and Form I-9. This information is used to setup payroll and issue W-2s for your employees at year end.

An independent contractor is an individual or business that will work as a subcontractor or in a freelance capacity for your company. They need to complete Form W-9. This information is used to issue 1099s at year end. You should also ask the contractor if they have worker’s compensation and/or liability insurance and obtain their certificate. This will be vital information for your annual insurance audit to reduce your costs.

Please read our Whitepaper “Employee vs. Independent Contractor.”