If you have employees, you will need to file forms to report
employment taxes. Employment taxes include the following items.
- Social security and Medicare taxes.
- Federal income tax withholding.
- Federal unemployment (FUTA) tax.
For more information, see Publication 15, Circular E,
Employer's Tax Guide. That publication explains your tax
responsibilities as an employer.
To help you determine whether the people working for you are your
employees, see Publication 15-A, Employer's Supplemental
Tax Guide. That publication has information to help you
determine whether an individual is an independent contractor or an
employee.
If you incorrectly classify an employee as an independent
contractor, you can be held liable for employment taxes for that
worker plus a penalty.
An independent contractor is someone who is
self-employed. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes
on payments to an independent contractor.
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