A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Independent Contractor - must have flexible schedule to qualify for IC status - anon

Posted: Mar 11, 2010

I am thinking about pursuing a job as an independent contractor as I am retired and want something to do more than the money (retired hospital transcriptionist). It is my understanding that an IC must have flexible schedule to qualify for IC status, yet the job ads specify second and third shift as well as weekend days. Can they do this? I know the government is cracking down on ICs to make sure they are truly ICs (we all know the transcription companies will do everything to preserve their bottom line, legal or not.) Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

While an employer cannot tell the IC when to work, - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
they do not have to have work available 24/7 for the IC. They can say we have work available 2nd or 3rd shifts, if you want the job and want to work those shifts fine. If not, you don't work for them. For example, they have FT MTs for days, but not enough for nights, therefore the IC is only needed when they are not covered. If there is not work, the IC does not work at all. The IC cannot demand work at specific hours; however, the IC can say they will only work specific hours. So, if there is no work when you want to work, you don't get any.

IC since 1986 - Snow Bunny

[ In Reply To ..]
ICs don't have flexible schedules ... they have a turnaround time: "All voice files which are in your queue by 3 p.m. are due back the next business day by 2 p.m." You get the work done when you want, but you have to return the work when it's due.

Also, the laws which apply to companies which are offering MT services also apply to the ICs whose services they utilize. Starting with ... do services "take a test?" No, they don't. They provide references. Much like a contractor would do if you were in the market for someone to build an extension on your home.

Bottom line: ICs have "the element of control."

Check out this link:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html

Not all MTSOs put work in a queue for an IC. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
Some work straight off the system, so therefore not always needed 24/7.

Job ads for ICs say testing required. How - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
can they do this legally?

I don't see a problem with testing for an IC - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
position. They have to know you are actually an MT and can do the work.

Similar Messages:

Mar 27, 2015

Could someone please explain how an IC status works, has anyone worked in this capacity, and feedback. Thanks. ...

Jan 18, 2011

This is concerning work. There is one question on the questionnaire that asks if I want to be on independent contractor or employee status. Could someone please explain exactly what the difference is and the Pros and Cons of such. Thank you in advance. ...

Jan 16, 2011

Can anyone tell me if there are any advantages to being an independent contractor versus an employee? I'm worried about being able to set aside taxes if they are not taken out automatically -- I work because I need the money and would prefer to not have to "bank it" for taxes later. Seems like it is getting harder to find employee status jobs thay are not voice recognition / editing positions. ...

Mar 13, 2015

Can someone tell me which position is more financially rewarding? Do ICs get 401k and whatnot? Basically, can someone tell me the differences between the 2? Thanks so much. I am an idiot with money and taxes. ...

Oct 22, 2014

I am so tired of these companies hiring for an IC position and then when you are not at your keyboard johnny on the spot at 11 a.m. every day to start your day and sometimes start at 12 p.m. or 12:30 p.m., they are calling your cell, sending threatening E-mails. They never stipulated in their contract that if you say, per se, you are going to work 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you start a little later, say 12 p.m. and work until the work is completed still getting getting the work completed well w ...

Mar 10, 2010

Would a few independent contractors mind sharing your CPL rate? I currently work as an employee and have three years experience. I am looking into IC jobs, but I am having difficulty finding information easily on the difference in rates between IC jobs and employee jobs. Thank you! ...

Jul 11, 2010

How does anyone become an IC (independent contractor)? What is the process exactly? Any help would be appreciated. ...

Aug 19, 2011

I recently got a reply on a job as an IC for a company but in order to work for them I have to have an EIN. How do I get one and how do I figure out my taxes and all the stuff that goes with it? ...

Jun 13, 2013

I was thinking of applying for an IC job until I saw this (and much more, but this did it for me). If you have been offered an independent contractor position it is very important that you calculate the ultimate cost to you as a taxpayer to see if the salary being offered is worth the time and effort. For example, if you are being offered $15 an hour as an independent contractor and $12 an hour as a payroll employee, you may initially be tempted by the fact that your "take home" pay will be ...

May 05, 2010

A company is looking for ICs and says you must fill out pre-qualifying form. In it they ask for specific time of each day you can work. As I understand independent contracting, you get job, are given TAT and determine when you will do it. Can a company ask for set hours and still be calling their people independent contractors? Thanks for any answers. ...

May 21, 2010

I would like to know what all is involved with being an independent contractor. I have been toying with the idea a lot lately but have no clue what needs to be done or what is required of me. If anyone could give me some insight into this, I would so truly appreciate it. Thanks... PS: I have been an MT for over 20 years so not new to the scene but always figured employee status was better. ...

Aug 10, 2010

Yes, I fell for DIT's reassurances that their financial troubles were all in the past too. I worked diligently for two months only to be met with silence when I asked which days they mail paychecks out. It's been two weeks now, and I haven't heard a thing. To those of you who are staying loyal to these people: Please, please, please don't. They don't deserve it. For over a year, they have been preying on new MTs who are desperate for a job. This is NOT ...

Aug 12, 2010

I was just wondering how does a person become an independent contractor? I see a lot of job openings for them but not really sure what is involved. Could someone explain how to go about getting into being and independent contractor? Thank you so much! ...

Sep 24, 2010

Is anyone a licensed independent contractor? I saw a job listing that you have to be licensed. First time I ever heard of that. ...

Jul 14, 2011

Hello. I just got a new job, and for the first time, I will be an independent contractor. I am unfamiliar with this. I know they will not take taxes out. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how I do this. Should I consult a tax person? Is there a way I can figure out what to hold out on my own? Can I pay the IRS quarterly those figures so I don't have to pay it all at the end of the year? Do I need any kind of license? This is a part-time position at home, ...

Oct 11, 2011

I am looking for some clarification on the definition, as per the IRS website, of an "independent contractor." With the majority of companies now hiring MTs as IC's, does this definition apply ? "You are not an independent contractor if you perform services that can be controlled by an employer (what will be done and how it will be done). This applies even if you are given freedom of action. What matters is that the employer has the legal right to control the details of how the servi ...

Aug 31, 2012

BEWARE AND BE SURE you are truly an Independent contractor. This info is available on the IRS.GOV website (type Independent contractor in the SEARCH box and then click on IC defined). I was going to work for a company who later informed me that i would be REQUIRED to look up patient information that was not dictated by going to a different website and searching thru the paperwork looking for the information. I know from experience that doing this seriously cuts into My Line Count and MY PAY. I w ...

Jun 08, 2013

When you are considered an independent contractor, is it necessary to give at least two weeks notice before you quit? ...

Nov 04, 2014

Want work as an IC on a part-time basis. Anyone know of a company that is truely hiring for ICs, not calling you an IC but treating you as if you are an employee? Thanks. ...

Nov 18, 2014

Oncology Positions Available - iMedX Inc Posted: Nov 18th, 2014 - 4:48 pm iMedX, Inc. Openings for Oncology transcription in a clinic setting as IC (Independent Contractor). Must have approximately 2 years recent Oncology experience. **** This is the first step of shifting people out of Employee status...bye bye guys!!! Clock tickin'!!!!!! What more do you need. Thumbs up for Employees about to be dumped ...

Feb 22, 2015

Hi! Can anyone tell me what some good programs are if I was to try to get into the IC field? I mean programs for downloading voice files, for getting the foot pedal to work with said voice files, etc. I have Word and a word expander. ...

Mar 13, 2015

Can anyone tell me any details on being an independent contractor? Pros/cons? Pay? Thanks for any info! ...

Dec 07, 2009

I have been doing IC work for almost a year now and up until now the work has been plentiful even though its pooled, however, recently I noticed that I keep running out of work. I keep being told that the accounts are not over assigned, but I am having serious doubts. Before I call it quits with the company I just wanted to get opinions as to whether this is the norm for this time of year or what? ...

Mar 13, 2010

As I understand it, according to IRS definition of an IC, the IC cannot be tested. If this is so, how do the transcription companies get away with testing for IC positions as mentioned in their ads. Is this legal? ...

Nov 01, 2010

Do any of you who work as an independent contractor for an MTSO carry liability insurance? Why or why not? Do they have to carry it and cover you or are you responsible for this? Thanks. ...

Nov 26, 2010

Can anyone tell me where I would find the steps to go about becoming an IC? Once I learn how to legally become an IC, then what do you do, just send your resume to the various companies? I would like to investigate becoming one. Thanks so much. Deidre. ...

Feb 08, 2012

Anyone work for Transcription Doctors as an independent contractor? Looked through the archives, but everything seems old. Just wondered if anyone has had any current experience. Very leary trying out a new company. ...

Apr 17, 2013

x ...

Apr 17, 2013

nm ...

Nov 06, 2012

As an independent contractor, can the company I am doing work legally make me work holidays? ...