What is the law regarding per diem rates for traveland independent contractor/employee status?

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What is the law regarding per diem rates for traveland independent contractor/employee status?

I work for a company that has hired me on as a “independent contractor” twice a year for 8 weeks at a time for the past 6 years. It’s a traveling job in which you are on the road the entire 8 weeks with a partner sharing a hotel room. The company provides us with a per diem of $100 a day total (not each) for meals and lodging. Is this legal? This is not enough to even stay in the worst motel and eat off of the $1 menu 3 times a day. And are we IC’s or employees? We have set hours, report back daily, use company tools and merchandise, have set base pay + commission, etc. Or are they screwing us?

Asked on August 2, 2011 Pennsylvania

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

There are two different issues here:

First, the law does *not* require ANY per diem--companies may make employees or contractors travel and not provide them any reimbursement, per diem for expenses, etc. (though a contractor will typically negotiate expenses into the agreement, or else not take the job). If you are not reimbursed, you may be able to take some tax advantage of the costs--this can get tricky, so discuss it with a tax preparer--but again, they don't have to provide you with any per diem.

Second, whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor has *nothing* to do with what you are called or how the company wants to pay you--it is based only on the nature of  your duties and the control exerted over you. Typically, set hours, use of company equipment, and the necessity to report back daily are indicia of being an employee, not an independent contractor; if you are in fact an employee, you may be owed benefits, the employer's share of FICA, overtime when applicable, etc. From what you write, it may be worthwhile to consult with an employment attorney to evaluate the situation in more detail.


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