I did not read through all the posts but doesn't the way DTC works violate the IRS rules regarding Independent Contractor? Sorry if this was addressed, but this is a huge thread.

Originally Posted by StephanieVA

I did not read through all the posts but doesn't the way DTC works violate the IRS rules regarding Independent Contractor? Sorry if this was addressed, but this is a huge thread.

I went through an audit by the Bureau of Labor (Oregon's State agency for Department of Labor whose rules are similar to the Federal's rules) and also by the IRS on this during the past year. TDC was not in compliance with the independent contractor rules at that time. TDC changed their "check in" rules with me in order to be somewhat in compliance. Luckily for TDC, I have other clients that proved my independent contractor status. Unfortunately, TDC's agreements, subagreements, and subcontractor guide references imply an employee relationship. The notices of daily reporting or checking in, otherwise you face possible termination if one does not respond by a certain time implies employee relationship and not an independent contractor. Some of the emails on policies I had received from TDC were in violation openly of an independent contractor. The control they insist on is more of an employee relationship. I understand why they need some of the control in order to get their billings done and follow up with a client to make sure they are happy and getting the work done, but there is a better solution in handling it.

Overall, find out the rules and regulations of what an independent contractor is in your state and also be aware of the Fedral rules on this. Make sure you meet those requirements. As an independent contractor, it is your responsibility to know this and don't enter into any agreements that violate that status. If you are in violation, your clients and/or VA staffing agencies will be liable for back taxes (unemployment, social security, state and federal taxes, worker's comp, etc.) and penalty fees. I don't think your clients will want you around if you are going to cost them this extra $$$ and some extensive audits.

Bottom line, you need to be informed and knowledgeable and review every year the requirements of what an independent contractor status is.

I too went through the whole process, but never got to the phone interview. After I sent in my questions they said they did not have anything for me. So I never had the chance to work with them. I did find the questions to be a bit much though. I don't understand the need to ask all those questions. I do think that my answers to those questions is why I was not brought on board. I was completely honest when answering them as I am always honest. I believe that is always the best policy and if someone does not want to work with me because of the way I answered a question then it just simply was not to be. Does not mean it is bad or good on either side just that we were not right for each other.

That said remember not everyone works well together and it is best to know this before you begin work with someone rather than after the fact.

I'm really sorry to those who had bad experiences with TDC, but I would not give up on working virtually or for working with other virtual assistant companies as I'm sure there are many good ones out there.

I am currently sub-contracting for other virtual assistant companies and find it to be very rewarding and love working with them. They also offer training and certification and I did take training and get certified with one of them and it has proven to be very useful to me. I realize that not everyone needs to take this type of training, but I had not worked in almost 8 years and thought it would benefit me and it really has.

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A representative from Team Double Click, Janice Clark, has offered to be a guest on tomorrow night's Subcontractor Q&A call. This should shed some light on some of the topics brought up here on this forum.

I know this is an old thread, but I have been taking a fresh look at TDC again.

I do remember that their screening process is TOUGH, that they asked me a lot of impertinent questions on their initial screening, such as what I would do if my kid disrupts me for something. I don't have any kids, but they still wanted an answer to that. I bombed out big time and wasn't going to get a do-over, but they did have some good tutorials.

Thanks for all of the info.

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Liz DeCamp
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