Job Lead

[dmcgaw]

Hi all,
I don't really pop over to this side of the board even though I've done a little VA work here and there but I have a client or needs a good, experience VA that she can depend on.

Her request:

Am looking for a full-time Virtual Assistant (at least 30 hours a week) who can help me with all aspects of my business. Ideally, I am looking with someone with high-level skills for internet marketing: One Shopping Cart, affiliate marketing, putting up simple web sites, organizing virtual events. Please respond to me at susan @ masterthenewnet.com

[kathiemt]

So is Susan saying she wants someone to work 30 hours a week or is she saying she wants a VA who is available those hours a week?

I'm a fulltime VA but I would never work that many hours a week for any client however I easily work that number of hours a week as a VA.

The reason why I wouldn't work those hours for just one client is because the tax office would deem them to be my employer, and I am self-employed. It would have vast implications both for me as a business owner but also for the client with respect to employee responsibilities.

I raise this here as it's important for anyone who is responding to this joblead to think about what may be required of them legally and taxwise depending on what the actual requirement is for the client.

I'm new to this site - when jobleads are filled is that also reported here or not at all? I note the lead is now several days old so just thought I'd ask.

[dmcgaw]

Hi Kathiemt,
She is definitely looking for someone to work about 30 hours a week. I can't speak about the employer/client ramifications but you could certainly talk to her about it. She's very easy to talk to. What I can tell you is that she is a very knowledgeable business woman so I am sure that she is aware of the legalities. Her business is American based and she is not new to outsourcing.

And to my knowledge she has not filled the position yet.

If she does fill the position I will report back when she tells me.

Originally Posted by kathiemt

So is Susan saying she wants someone to work 30 hours a week or is she saying she wants a VA who is available those hours a week?

I'm a fulltime VA but I would never work that many hours a week for any client however I easily work that number of hours a week as a VA.

The reason why I wouldn't work those hours for just one client is because the tax office would deem them to be my employer, and I am self-employed. It would have vast implications both for me as a business owner but also for the client with respect to employee responsibilities.

I raise this here as it's important for anyone who is responding to this joblead to think about what may be required of them legally and taxwise depending on what the actual requirement is for the client.

I'm new to this site - when jobleads are filled is that also reported here or not at all? I note the lead is now several days old so just thought I'd ask.

[kathiemt]

Thanks, I've been in touch with her and we should be chatting soon.

[Jen82]

i applid and havent heard anything back...gl all

[kdbbiz]

Is that tax ramification for Canadians as well? I never knew that Thanks for sharing. I am a VA by trade too(although I do more ghostwriting these days than anything else), and I have never actually worked for more than 10 hours a week for one client but it was due to my rate of pay and what my clients could afford.

I will keep what you have posted in mind though.

thanks again.

[kathiemt]

Originally Posted by kdbbiz

Is that tax ramification for Canadians as well? I never knew that Thanks for sharing. I am a VA by trade too(although I do more ghostwriting these days than anything else), and I have never actually worked for more than 10 hours a week for one client but it was due to my rate of pay and what my clients could afford.

I will keep what you have posted in mind though.

thanks again.

I believe so. I speak with a lot of VAs from the US, Canada and other areas. The general rule of thumb seems to be if 80% or more of your income is from one source then the tax dept could view that source as your employer. So it is really important you do have a mix of clients, even if one is producing 50% of your income - at least having 2 or 3 or more others show you're running a business and am not an employee.

[tenXmom]

Unless she is controlling when you work those thirty hours weekly you would not be considered an employee based upon the number of hours.

Publication 15-A (2010), Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide

[kathiemt]

I would still encourage any who do take on so many hours a week work to check with their tax agent or accountant. The reality if that she could engage anyone from any country and tax laws differ in each country. I know in my own country, the reality is that if 80% or more of your income comes from the one source you could be considered an employee - and often it's decided on a case by case basis.

Based on discussions I've had on different VA forums the general consensus seemed to be very similar outcomes.

[tenXmom]

My client list includes about 128 CPAs in the US and Canada - I've asked my accountant as well - In my case, the larger concern is ongoing work that could be taken as employee/employer relationships longterm - something else that can be judged on a case by case basis

But, yes, I do agree to always check with a professional, don't rely on any forum for the important questions and decisions