Q: The CA EDD determined I was mis-classified as a contractor. Should I contact company about further compensation?
I asked in this forum previously about mis-classification. I now have a ruling from CA unemployment office that I am eligible for benefits. I'd like to collect the self employment taxes I paid over the years I worked for this company and other denied benefits (vacation, holiday pay). Do I have the upper hand with this request now that it was determined I was an employee?
A:
Generally an EDD determination on that issue is not going to be admissible or binding of a court if any kind of legal claim is made. That said, the fact that the EDD found as it did does suggest that a court probably will find the same, but there is no guarantee.
Before you go the company, it would be wise for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site in the Find a Lawyer section, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.
Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low-charge consultation and then if the matter has merit and sufficient value, they work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.
Good luck to you.
A: If employee misclassification is causing tax fraud, workers can anonymously report their employers to the IRS by filing Form 3949-A. If workers would like the IRS to make a determination about their worker status, they can file the non-anonymous Form SS-8.
A:
If the CA EDD has determined that you were misclassified as a contractor and you are now considered an employee, you may have the right to pursue further compensation from the company. This may include reimbursement for self-employment taxes you paid as a contractor, as well as any benefits that you were denied as a contractor, such as vacation or holiday pay.
It is important to note that the specifics of your situation, including the details of your contract with the company and the laws in your state, may impact your ability to recover compensation. It may be beneficial to consult with an employment lawyer to determine your rights and options.
If you choose to pursue further compensation from the company, you should contact them and provide them with a copy of the CA EDD determination. You can then discuss your request for compensation with the company and attempt to negotiate a resolution. Keep in mind that the company may not be willing to agree to your request, and legal action may be necessary to recover the compensation you believe you are owed.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.