Hello,

We're encouraging our Maryland business clients to take a close look at their independent contractor agreements to determine whether the individuals or companies they have classified as independent contractors actually fit into that category.

So, why am I suggesting this?

I'm Katherine Taylor, the Lawyer for Business Owners. We are Maryland attorneys, and we represent Maryland businesses and business owners.

Over the past year or so, we've been hearing anecdotally from clients and others that the Maryland Department of Labor, the Unemployment Insurance Division, and the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission may be paying closer attention to worker classifications.

Notice that I didn't mention the Maryland Comptroller's Office, which is the state's taxing authority. Instead, I mentioned the agencies responsible for unemployment insurance and workers' compensation. That's important because those agencies often apply stricter standards and factors when determining whether a worker qualifies as an independent contractor.

At the end of the day, if you're a Maryland business owner and you use independent contractors, it's a good idea to have your independent contractor agreements, and the facts and circumstances surrounding those working relationships, reviewed. We can help determine whether your workers are properly classified and identify any potential issues before they become costly problems.