U.S. companies should not withhold taxes from money paid to independent contractors working overseas. It matters how you classify them when you file your quarterly tax and wage report.You pay unemployment taxes on employees but not for independent contractors. Discover essential steps for safely paying international contractors. Our guide simplifies compliance, currency, payment methods, contracts, and more. Use Form 1042-S to report specified federal procurement payments paid to foreign persons that are subject to withholding under section 5000C. Workers' compensation law covers both employees and independent contractors who provide essentially personal labor. Determining amount to withhold. Reporting requirements for wages and withheld taxes paid to nonresident aliens. This form is used to determine the contractor's foreign status as well as the appropriate tax withholding and reporting requirements.