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Independent contractors
Do you operate your business as an independent contractor? As a growing sector of the small business market, independent contractors now make up 10 per cent of the workforce.
Being an independent contractor brings its own unique set of opportunities and business challenges. To help you navigate the independent contractor waters, business.gov.au has created a topic specifically for you.
An independent contractor is defined as being a self-employed individual who provides their work and services to another business under contract. It is possible to be an employee for some work and a contractor for other work. As an independent contractor you are often responsible for your own superannuation, taxation and occupational health and safety obligations.
How to determine your status.
business.gov.au currently assists independent contractors to determine your status, connecting you with contracting essentials at the Tax Office website as well as independent contractor fact sheets and hotlines through workplace.gov.au.
Unfair contracts and sham contracts. As a contractor, you need to be aware of what unfair or sham contracts are, and how to avoid them. Visit business.gov.au for access to resources and contacts.
Tax obligations.
business.gov.au takes the guess work out of your tax obligations as a contractor, as you may have to pay different rates to employees or make your own tax arrangements. Also, Personal Services Income (PSI) can affect your tax obligations as a contractor so the website gives you access to resources such as the Tax Basics for Small Business Booklet.
Dispute resolution and mediation. There are a range of options you can choose from to settle disputes including negotiation, discussion, mediators and the courts. To learn more, visit the business.gov.au Independent contractors topic.
Employment entitlements.
business.gov.au clarifies your superannuation obligations, minimum rate of pay or conditions such as, annual leave, sick leave and redundancy entitlements, OH&S and workers compensation insurance.
Intellectual Property. As a contractor, it is important to understand that while you may have contributed, created or produced your ideas, you may not be entitled to intellectual property ownership such as copyright. This will depend on the contract that you sign, so it is important to know your rights.
Whatever challenges your business faces, business.gov.au will be here to make access to government information as easy as possible to understand and use in your day to day business operations. For more information visit www.business.gov.au
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