Are Court Reporters Independent Contractors?

I've considered this issue of whether or not a court reporter is an independent contractor or an employee for a number of years.  Actually, the entire time I've been in business -- having started Todd Olivas & Associates, Inc. in 2003.  I always thought I knew exactly what was and was not at stake in that regard.  Well, during the past few months I have had to face the issue dead on and change a lot of my thinking.  I will unveil what I have been going through personally and professionally on this blog as I write about my very own situation regarding the following issues:

  • What issues relate to a reporter being classified as an independent contractor (IC).
  • What are the pitfalls of misclassification.
  • What is the government's role in this.
  • What control factors determine who is an IC or employee.
  • Can a court reporter receive unemployement benefits despite having been issued a 1099?
  • What happens at a EDD appeal hearing.
  • Should you hire an attorney?
  • What is the ripple effect on the court reporting industry if court reporters are found to be employees and not ICs?
  • What if you don't have an independent contractor agreement?

Stay tuned. This outta be interesting for all of my court reporter, and court reporting agency friends out there...

UPDATE 8/26/2015: Court reporters found to be independent contractors by California Appeals Board and EDD



Thursday, December 18, 2014

Author
Todd Olivas

Todd Olivas is a court reporter and entrepreneur.
He founded TO&A in 2003.


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