Form W-9. If you've made the determination that the person you're paying is an independent contractor, the first step is to have the contractor complete Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.
Following this step-by-step checklist will mean that you can write your contract with confidence: Know your parties. Agree on the terms. Set clear boundaries. Spell out the consequences. Specify how you will resolve disputes. Cover confidentiality. Check the legality of the contract. Open it up to negotiation.
For example, Virginia requires independent contractors to obtain a business license and register for state and federal tax IDs. There are also regulations around worker's compensation coverage and unemployment insurance that may apply, depending on the nature of the contract.
A transport services agreement (TSA) is an arrangement between two parties to provide transportation-related services. It defines the responsibilities of each party and can be used to set out commercial terms, liabilities, performance standards, and penalties for non-performance.
The agreement should have an introductory paragraph outlining who is the client and who is the service provider. It should contain the legal names of both parties, the date, and the physical addresses of each party.
The independent contractor should complete the W-9 and return it to the business with other requested information. When should the Form W-9 be completed? Contractors should complete it at the start of their working relationship with a company.
1 As of July 1, 2020, Virginia adopted a very pro-employee statute, which includes a presumption that workers are to be considered an employee unless the employer can prove they are an independent contractor using the 21 factor IRS test. Va. Code §40.1-28..
Most states do not require a business license to become an independent contractor within the US. Virginia doesn't require a state-wide business license, except for some certification and licensing requirements for specific occupations.
Here's how to get contracts for your trucking business. Use load boards. Load boards are a great way to find available contracts. Build a relationship with freight brokers. Hire a dispatcher. Partner with government transport contractors. Prospect and contact local shippers. Join industry groups and associations.
What to Include Party Details. The agreement will name the contractor and the client and provide the mailing addresses where invoices and correspondence can be sent. Term. The one-page contract must state the dates the contractual relationship begins and ends. Services. Compensation. Expenses. Signatures.