Deep Water Horizon Settlement News
As of the last newsletter, we were waiting to hear whether or not the full 5th Circuit Court (En Banc) would hear BP’s arguments. On May 20, 2014, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against BP by an 8-5 margin saying that they were in agreement with the earlier decisions. The second part of the denial was an order to start the payments again. BP appealed to the Supreme Court and asked that for a Writ of Certiorari, which would basically keep the payment injunction in place until the Supreme Court determined whether it would hear the case. Most experts feel that the likely hood that the Supreme Court will hear the case is a long shot. They receive over 10,000 requests per year, but hear only 80. On top of that, there are no constitutional issues involved. As of May 27, 2014, the 5th Circuit Court has ruled that it will not keep the payment injunction in place and the claim center is able to release payments again. This is wonderful news for all of us waiting on our claims to be finally settled! Let’s all keep our fingers crossed.
As we move forward, keep in mind that the claims center is asking for additional information and supporting documentation that they did not ask for in the beginning stages of the process. We will call you as necessary. Usually we are working with the accountant, and if we get the requested information to them in a timely fashion, we can avoid additional delays. Please help us resolve these issues quickly and efficiently.
Our New Website is Available 1
Deep Water Horizon Settlement News 2
Client Spotlight – SGI, LLC 3
This Month's Article 4
“Are my workers W-2 or 1099”
The IRS estimates that 91% of the people who are paid 1099 (called contract labor) are employees and should be classified as W-2. This is a serious infraction and if you are caught misclassifying employees, the fine is substantial. Read more in the article at the bottom of this newsletter.
Client spotlight
Possessing expertise in brand development, public relations, traditional and digital marketing, Solid Ground Innovations works to produce innovative strategies for client satisfaction. Whether it is refreshing a tired brand or website development, SGI caters to a vast area of new and experienced company needs by "fusing new technology with old techniques to produce superior results."
For more information about SGI including its non-profit management arm visit www.sgicares.com or contact info@sgicares.com (225) 330-4924.
“Are my workers W-2 or 1099”
The IRS estimates that 91% of the people who are paid 1099 (called contract labor) are employees and should be classified as W-2. This is a serious infraction and if you are caught misclassifying employees, the fine is substantial. You will findhttp://www.firstfinancialbr.com/below a list of questions that will help you determine whether those people are contract labor or employees:
The IRS has developed a list of 20 factors it uses to determine whether a worker is an employee or a subcontractor:
1. Does the business require the worker to follow their instructions on how work is to be performed? If yes, this indicates employee status. An independent contractor will generally decide how the project should be completed and use his own methodology.
2. Does the business provide training to the worker? If you’re hiring a person for a job they are not trained for and providing them with the training to carry it out, that person is probably an employee. There can be exceptions based on the facts and circumstances.
3. Are the worker’s services a substantial or integral part of the business? This indicates employee status because it indicates the business maintains direction and control over the worker.
4. Does the business require the worker to perform all services personally? Independent contractors may have their own employees or at least should have the option of hiring other contractors to perform their work. Agreements for personal services indicate employee status.
5. Does the business hire, supervise and pay the worker’s assistants? If so, this is a strong indication of employee status. Let the independent contractor pay his or her own assistants.
6. Does the business have an ongoing relationship with the worker? This one is a stretch since many businesses maintain lifelong relationships with contractors whose work they like. But the IRS views this as an indication of employee status.
7. Does the business set the worker’s schedule and hours? Independent contractors generally set their own work schedules. If the contractor must work certain hours because of required interrelationships with your employees or to take advantage of down time for computer-related work, document these facts.
8. Does the business require the worker full-time? This is an indication of employee status because the business controls their availability and prevents them from working on other clients.
9. Does the business provide the workspace? Contractors who work off-site are more likely to be classified an independent contractor.
10. Does the business determine the order or sequence in which work is completed? Indicates employee status. If specific schedules are required, document them in the contract with the reasoning for doing so.
11. Does the business require oral or written reports? The IRS believes regular written or oral reports detailing the work completed indicates employee status. In reality, this is, and should be, expected from independent contractors as well.
12. Does the business pay by the hour, week or month? This indicates employee status. See our comments at the end of this article on this issue.
13. Does the business pay expenses? This is an indication that the business is directing the Independent contractor’s business activities. Make sure the independent contractor pays the expenses and bills you for reimbursement.
14. Does the business provide tools and equipment for the worker? Independent contractors would normally provide their own tools and equipment.
15. Does the worker have a significant investment in their own facilities? If the contractor maintains his own office space, computer equipment, tools, etc., this is a good indication that they are an independent contractor.
16. Does the worker have profits and losses independent of the business? This is an indication that the contractor is running his own bona fide business and is an independent contractor.
17. Does the worker have multiple clients? Working with multiple clients generally indicates independent contractor status. If yours is the only or predominant business, then they are an employee.
18. Does the worker market their services to the general public? Employees do not generally market their services to the general public.
19. Does the business have the right to discharge the worker at any time? This suggests employee status. An independent contractor would only be discharged for failure to meet contract specifications.
20. Does the worker have the right to quit at any time? An independent contractor is under contract and cannot quit until the project is completed.
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Fax: 866.310.9700
Email: info@firstfinancialbr.com
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