By Tina Hilton of Clerical Advantage 

I believe one of the most difficult things for a virtual assistant is drawing a line between being an independent contractor and employee.  Many clients seem to have a hard time separating the two.  That fact is not surprising really, since virtual assistance is a relatively new idea for most businesses.  That leaves it up to us, the virtual assistant, to draw the line early and often reminding our clients that we are not in fact employed by them.  So just how does one do that?

It begins at first contact with a potential client. Stressing the fact that you are a business owner at this point is crucial.  I also feel it’s important to have new clients sign some sort of contract or business agreement that specifies your role as a business serving their business.  It gives you something to refer to later on if you feel the line is being blurred.   

It’s also important to remind ourselves of the differences between providing services to another business and being an employee.  The IRS definition is that as an independent contractor, the client has the right to control or direct only the result of the work done, not the means and methods of accomplishing the result.   It is wise for both you and your clients to understand the differences, since your clients could be held liable for employment taxes if they are utilizing you as remote employee according to the rules.  The IRS has a webinar that can benefit both you and your clients.  The Tax Talk Today Webcast, “What’s Hot in Employment Taxes: Independent Contractor or Employee?”,  could help to alleviate these issues and give you a better idea of how to draw the line between contractor and employee more clearly.

Not being an employee is one of the benefits of being a virtual assistant, for both you and your client. Reminding your clients of this fact when the need arises is an important step in keeping your business on the road to success.