Guide on The Best Way to Pay Your Contractors

Working with contractors can be an excellent way to obtain professional services without bringing on a new employee. Many business owners work with contractors when they need temporary services performed or when a miscellaneous job comes along for which they don’t have an expert on staff.

Paying contractors is fairly straightforward, but there are some things you’ll want to be aware of to ensure a smooth experience. Below are some considerations to help guide you through the process of paying contractors:

Determine the Rate Up Front

Before you can issue contractor payouts, you need a written agreement in place that lays out the rate you’re expected to pay. Some agreements set an hourly rate while others work on a project rate. Having this information in writing is crucial so that both you and any contractors you work with are on the same page.

You also need to think about any fees associated with contractor payouts. Some payment platforms charge a fee to send or receive payments online, so you will want to determine whether you or the contractor will be responsible for these fees and then adjust payment amounts accordingly.

Keep Records

Whether you pay in cash or with a card or check, keep records of all payments made. If possible, get a receipt from each contractor so that you have documentation to rely on if a payment is questioned in the future. Having proof of payment is also beneficial when working on your company’s financials at the end of the year for tax filing and other matters.

Don’t Forget Taxes

Speaking of taxes, if you work with contractors in the United States, you typically do not need to withhold taxes from payments; however, you’re encouraged to speak with a tax planning expert to learn more. In most cases, you will still need to issue each contractor a 1099-MISC form that lists all the payments you’ve made to the contractor during the tax year. In 2023, you need to issue this form if you’ve paid more than $600 in that tax year, and this can affect how you file and pay your own taxes as well.

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