[consulting] Setting Up as an Independent Contractor

[Dave Hall]

Hi,

>From experience, have a contract drafted by a lawyer can save you a lot
of hassle.  It should contain things like, who retains ownership of the
work (should be you), what happens when they don't pay (penalty
interest), what is the legal jurisdiction for disputers (where you live)
and what expenses the client is expected to cover (long distance, travel
accommodation, meals etc).  

On several occasions I have bashed clients over the head with my
contract.  Having a relationship with a solicitor also makes it easy for
getting letters of demand issued by the lawyer too.  

My contracts have 2 parts the generic contract and the project specific
schedule which contains information about the project, rates etc.  The
schedule is referred to by the contract, so I can recycle the same
contract for all of my clients.

If the client wants variations to my standard contract they can pay my
legal bills so I get the advice I need before drafting/signing it.

When it comes to company structure, tax and book keeping advice, invest
in a good accountant.  The money you pay them is a usually a deductible
expense, and can help you structure your affairs in such a way that you
you end up in front even after pay for their services.

Cheers

Dave

On Sun, 2010-03-28 at 09:10 -0600, Sami Khan wrote:
> It doesn't have to be that complicated, but it can be if you run into
> the wrong sort of person and/or situation. Just make sure you have
> plenty of disclaimers in there and clauses that keep them from suing you
> for any reason whatsoever, you can opt for a mediator if there needs to
> be a way to resolve disputes. That's the biggest thing. Further, have
> all terms of work clearly laid out, and the fact that they will be
> billed for any additional work on an hourly basis. I am also not a
> lawyer either.
> 
> Regards,
> Sami
> 
> On Sun, 2010-03-28 at 09:00 -0600, Steve Kessler wrote:
> > Becoming an independent contractor has lots of legal implications on
> > both the state and federal level in the United States if that is where
> > you are. It is probably best that you consult your jurisdiction about
> > what they require. Colorado for example does business registrations
> > through the Secretary of State office. An attorney and tax accountant
> > are good resources in this process. I know this is not an answer with
> > real answers but hopefully this will give you an idea where to
> > look….oh ya and my attorney requires me to say that I am not an
> > attorney and this is not legal advice.  
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > -Steve   
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Steve Kessler 
> > 
> > Denver DataMan 
> > 
> > 303-587-4428 
> > 
> > Sign up for the Denver DataMan Free eNewslettter
> > 
> >  
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > From: George Lee [mailto:georgeleejr617 at gmail.com] 
> > Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 8:22 AM
> > To: consulting at drupal.org
> > Subject: [consulting] Setting Up as an Independent Contractor
> > 
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Hello,
> > 
> > Also do folks have information on what steps to take to be an
> > independent contractor? Want to make sure I'm follow the right
> > procedures.
> > 
> > Peace, community, justice,
> > - George
> > 
> > 
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