WE'VE MOVED!

We are proud to announce our NEW community destination. Engage with resident experts and fellow entrepreneurs, and learn everything you need to start your business. Check out the new home of StartupNation Community at startupnation.mn.co

Board member/owner as independent contractor?

MakeMeSustainableMakeMeSustainable subscriber Posts: 2
Hi,
I have a board member I`d like to pay for her services on an infrequent, project by project basis. Can I hire her as an independent contractor without running into legal/tax issues of not hiring her as an employee? Do I have to change my board agreement with her in order to reflect the change in compensation? Thanks for any insight!

Comments

  • nevadasculnevadascul subscriber Posts: 3 Member
    Is she a board member or a consultant? 
    Board of Directors


    Definition
    Individuals elected by a corporation`s shareholders to oversee the management of the corporation. The members of a Board of Directors are paid in cash and/or stock, meet several times each year, and assume legal responsibility for corporate activities.


    consultant
    Definition
    Experienced professional who provides expert knowledge for a fee. He or she works in an advisory capacity only and is usually not accountable for the outcome of a consulting exercise.
    from   http://www.businessdictionary.com/defin ... ltant.html


     
    You also need to review the IRS guidelines for independent contractors.  Many companies have gotten into trouble with the IRS by classifying someone as an independent contractor who is actually an employee.  There are 20 issues the IRS looks at to make the distinction between the two.  Here is the link to the IRS.
     

    http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/art ... 21,00.html



    nevadascul6/28/2009 4:20 PM
Sign In or Register to comment.