💼Freelancer🏢Business
👷
Worker Classification Checker
Legal

Behavioral Control

Does the company control how, when, and where you work?

8/10

0 = you set your own hours, 10 = company sets exact hours

7/10

0 = you use your own, 10 = company provides everything

9/10

0 = fully flexible, 10 = fixed schedule required

6/10

0 = you decide how to do the work, 10 = step-by-step instructions

Financial Control

Who controls the financial aspects of the work?

8/10

0 = you invest significantly, 10 = no investment needed

3/10

0 = you can profit or lose money, 10 = flat pay regardless

2/10

0 = many clients, 10 = only one client

3/10

0 = you offer services widely, 10 = exclusive to one company

Relationship Type

8/10

0 = project-based, 10 = indefinite/ongoing

7/10

0 = you provide all tools, 10 = company provides everything

8/10

0 = contract-based termination, 10 = can be fired anytime

6/10

0 = no benefits, 10 = full benefits (health, PTO, 401k)

Classification Result

Based on IRS 3-factor test (SS-8)

🟠 Likely Employee
Employee ← 70/100 → Contractor
Behavioral
7.5
→ Employee
Financial
6.0
→ Contractor
Relationship
7.3
→ Employee
Misclassification Risk: HIGH

⚠️ The IRS and DOL are increasing enforcement. Penalties include back taxes, benefits, and fines up to $1,000 per misclassified worker (IRC §3509).

Recommendations
  • This arrangement leans toward employee status. Consider reclassifying or restructuring.
  • High behavioral control suggests employee status. Reduce company direction over how work is performed.
  • The relationship structure suggests employee status. Consider using fixed-term contracts and removing benefits.
Form SS-8: If classification is disputed, either party can file IRS Form SS-8 for an official determination. This typically takes 6+ months but provides a binding ruling.
Data Source & Legal Disclaimer
Effective: 2026-01-01
Last updated: 2 weeks ago
Update frequency: Annual
Sources: IRS — Independent Contractor or Employee · DOL — Worker Classification

This tool provides general guidance only and is NOT a legal determination. Worker classification depends on the totality of circumstances and varies by state. Some states (like CA with AB5) use stricter tests. Always consult an employment attorney.

💡

About This Tool

Free worker classification checker — determine if a worker is an employee or independent contractor using the IRS 20-factor test and ABC test. Covers federal and state rules. Avoid misclassification penalties. No signup.

IRS 20-factorABC testState rules

Related Tools

Explore more business & legal tools on FreeToolHub.

⚖️
Non-Compete Checker
Check if your non-compete agreement is enforceable in your state
📊
W-2 vs 1099 Decision Tool
Job offer: $80K salary or $100K contract? See what you take home after tax & benefits
🔨
Small Claims Calculator
Calculate your small claims damages — filing fees, court limits, and recovery estimates
🏛️
US State LLC Cost Compare
See 5-year total cost of forming an LLC in all 50 states — find the cheapest

😂 Joke of the Day

What do you call a bear with a bad attitude?

This tool is free, and always will be.

No paywalls, no signups, no data sold. Built by a solo developer who believes useful tools should be accessible to everyone.

Support me on Ko-fi— keep tools free

100% of proceeds go towards hosting & building more free tools.