| While checking out the latest work-at-home job ads, | | | | As an independent contractor: |
| you may run across the terms "telecommuting" and | | | | - you are independent in every sense of the word, |
| "independent contractor." Each status comes with their | | | | meaning you are not an employee, there are no |
| own distinctions and it is important to know the | | | | benefits, and you would be responsible for your own |
| differences between the two. | | | | taxes at the end of the year. |
| When a company advertises a telecommuting position, | | | | - you control how and when the project is completed, |
| it normally means: | | | | as long as the client is satisfied with the finished |
| - you would actually be an employee of the company | | | | product. |
| and would usually have company benefits. | | | | - it is necessary to have a contract in place, outlining |
| - some telecommuting positions require the employee | | | | the responsibilities and expectations, wages, how often |
| to come into a physical office for a period of time | | | | you request payment, and any other terms. |
| (maybe once a week, several days a week, etc.) to | | | | - you purchase and maintain your office equipment |
| perform office tasks. | | | | and supplies. |
| - as a telecommuter, employees receive a tax | | | | Deciding from the onset which status fits your job |
| statement (W-2) at the end of the year, outlining | | | | search needs will weed out the irrelevant |
| wages earned and taxes deducted. | | | | work-at-home positions and hopefully have you on |
| -some companies provide office equipment for | | | | your way to a successful working arrangement. |
| employees' home office use. | | | | |