"This book is a complete guide to hiring and working with independent contractors for employers and businesses. Topics include: determining who qualifies as an independent contractor, how to avoid misclassifying workers, creating valid contracts and agreements, complying with state labor and antidiscrimination laws, assessing the risks of hiring freelancers and gig workers, safeguarding company intellectual property, protecting oneself if there's a legal dispute, and handling and settling an IRS audit"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes index. Forms available online from publisher.

Benefits and risks of working with independent contractors -- Tests for workers' status -- How the IRS classifies workers -- IRS audits -- State payroll taxes -- Workers' compensation -- Health, safety, labor, and antidiscrimination laws -- Intellectual property ownership -- Strategies for avoiding trouble when hiring IC's -- Procedures for working with independent contractors -- Independent contractor agreements -- Finding legal, financial, and other help beyond this book.