The Effects on The State of Missouri when Employers Misclassify Workers as Independent Contractors

Matt Hankins, Chief of Contributions of the Division of Employment Security, sat down and talked with Lynda Brotherton of the show, "Top Money Managers" on 4/21/13.  Mr. Hankins discussed how the misclassification of workers as independent contractors affects not only the employee who is misclassified, but also the rest of the businesses in the state who properly classify their workers. When businesses classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees, they are shifting not only the entire tax burden onto the worker, but they are also increasing the tax burden for the rest of the employers of the state.  Furthermore, businesses who treat their employees as independent contractors also affect the workers' compensation premiums paid by the law-abiding employers in this state.  The law itself defines who an "employee" is, and employers cannot always get around tha law by requiring their employees to enter into "independent contractor agreements."  If you believe that an employer is improperly classifying their employees as independent contractors, you may contact the Missouri Department of Labor.   Furthermore, if you were hurt on the job and your employer tells you that you are not entitled to workers' compensation benefits, you may want to contact us at 314-315-8111 to help you determine whether you should be treated as an employee under the workers' compensation law.