Employee or Independent Contractor

San Diego
Payroll Tax Lawyer

A majority of payroll tax problems generally arises when the California Employment Development Department or the IRS claim that you improperly categorize and then compensate your workers as “Independent Contractors” and not actual employees.  The EDD and the IRS use a complicated 20-factor test to evaluate whether a worker is considered an Employee or Independent Contractor.  

San Diego Payroll Lawyer, Chris Cooke has an in-depth understanding of this 20-factor worker classification test, and can help you to gather evidence necessary to make a case and convince the EDD or IRS that your workers were properly treated as independent contractors.  If we cannot agree with the tax auditors from the EDD or IRS we may be able to work out an understanding that if you begin to treat your workers as employees from this point forward that all is well.  If these government entities are stubborn and un-convinced, Tax Attorney Cooke can represent you before the EDD or IRS Appeals Office to get you the best outcome possible..

Employee or Independent Contractor? – There are some other options possible. For example, we can determine if you qualify for a safe harbor provision known as Section 530 relief.  Section 530 relief is available to employers who have consistently treated their employees as independent contractors and had reasonable basis to do so based upon prior requirement, common-practice and other variables we can argue.

Finally, having a competent tax attorney on your side, you are in a far better position to resolve any resultant tax debt from this situation or any prior problems that have caused you or your business to accrue un-paid employment tax debts.  If you find yourself in trouble because your misinterpreted the Employee or Independent Contractor issue, you are not alone. Now we need to negotiate a compromise. If you or your business owes the state or the IRS payroll taxes, you may also qualify for an “offer in compromise” or an “installment agreement.” Tax Law attorney Chris Cooke is a great resource who can negotiate the best possible debt reduction deal on your behalf.

Call (800) 235-0894

e-Mail Chris Cooke, Esq. Map to Office
I am your San Diego Tax Attorney Chris Cooke, Esq. Every day I have the privilege to meet good people struggling with tax issues that if not handled correctly can cause stress, anxiety or over payment of unnecessary taxes. Often times we discover that with some simple planning we can significantly reduce the taxes that they as an individual or business owner will owe next year and for years to come. Yes! The tax laws are complicated and ever-changing, which is why you need someone who lives and breathes Tax Laws & Regulations 365/24/7... No matter the complexities of your financial or tax challenges, I can assure you that working with a full-time lawyer who works with tax laws will go a long way to finding a solution that makes sense... Knowledge is Power and I will share my extensive legal and tax law knowledge with you when you have me partner with you.
Call my office to schedule an appointment with me, San Diego Tax Attorney, Chris Cooke, Esq. My offices are open 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Call (800) 235-0894