is it legal in florida for a cosmetologist to work as an indepedent contractor?

Answer 1

I'm a computer programmer and don't know anything about cosmetology, but I can't see why not. If this is an issue of the company hiring you wanting you to be an independent contractor so you have to pay all 15.3% of the social security taxes (and they can save on other taxes and benefits since you're not their employee), there are rules about this.

The IRS has rules as to when you can be classified as an independent contractor. Basically, it has to do with how much the company you are working for controls your job - whether you have to report to an office, have to report to work at specified hours, use their equipment, work under their supervision, whether are you free to take work from someone else while you are working for them, etc. The more the company controls you, the more likely you are an employee.

If it isn't clear or you feel you are being cheated, you can file Form SS-8 with the IRS. If they agree with you, you will be reclassified as an employee for tax purposes. I would call the IRS first and ask for guidance if you're not sure. If you download the form, you will see the questions they use to make a decision.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss8.pdf

Answer 2

I dont think so.