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Subcontractor..help with various issues

Posted By: wimt on 2006-09-07
In Reply to:

I need some advice on how to handle having a subcontractor.  I have a subcontractor now helping with one of my accounts.  My process is that I have a separate checking account and separate savings account for business.  All of my checks from work as an IC go into this business checking account. I then transfer to the business savings account a certain percentage for taxes.  We'll then transfer most of the remainder to our household checking accounts. That way, I can look at the business checking account and see my deposits and know exactly what my income is.  Anyway, now that I have a subcontrator, I don't know exactly how to handle everything. Do I just keep track of what I pay her and then claim it as an expense at the end of the year? Will I have to give her a 1099? I guess I should only hold back for taxes on the percentage of the money I keep now. I'm just confused on the whole process. I could use any advice...or a point in the right direction for where to find information on this.  Thanks!


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Subcontractor

Yes pay her out of your business account.  You should provide her with a 1099, can buy them or have the IRS send you some.  Also some Quick Books or Turbo Tax help you prepare them.   You deduct it as a expense on your schedule C.  Since it is an expense deduct you won't have to pay taxes on it.  Make sure that she/he realizes that you will be reporting it to the IRS as an expense.   Under 600 you don't have to fill out a 1099 but I do.   Make sure you have their SSN, etc. to fill it out.    Good luck.   I just keep everything separate business and personal - makes it easier even though my Quick Books tells me exactly what I have made, etec.  


Any more questions let me know.  Patti


subcontractor
not to sound dumb, but is this my responsibility? Thanks! 
subcontractor
uggh!  I have wondered about this myself in the past.  this would be the hard part.  I guess I would have to talk it over.  thank you though for your help.
subcontractor
I think what you are doing is wonderful! More people like you should be so kind as to take a newbie under her wing. If I ever an fortunate enough to have my own FTP server and accounts I want to do the same just because I know from experience how hard it is to be a newbie. Hope it works out for you both.
Subcontractor

Get rid of her - nicely.  Just tell her that you MUST meet your deadlines in order to keep your accounts.  Your livelihood depends on this.  Tell her since she is having some difficulties right now, you cannot send her more work.  If you want, tell her to contact you in the future when things settle down for her.


You cannot give her any more chances.  What will you tell your clients?  "Sorry the work didn't get back, but this MT I really like had a personal crisis and couldn't type last night."  


Hire someone less enthusiastic who will do the work on time.  I'm not enthusiastic about this job anymore, but I do it because I'm enthusiastic about living indoors and eating every day. 


 


Pay for subcontractor
Well, first let me say sorry you blew TAT, or it was blown for you - however, if a company holds your check because a TAT was blown, even a last check what would you do? Pay her the 100.00.

As for calling your client, why would you give her this information. When i sub out They get the voice file only and a patient list that has been blacked out on the information. And always sign a confidentiality agreement. If she did call - which I doubt, do not try to confirm with them - they may not like the idea you sub'd out, and why bring it up if they do not. Apparently you are still getting their work so they must like something about it.

Lastly - be careful next time. But also keep in mind - if you were not paid you would have a fit - she just took it one step further and has a hissy fit.


I have a subcontractor......
I have had an account for a couple years and just recently hired on a subcontractor. This account pays me 14 cpl and I pay the subcontractor 7 cpl. This is an easy account and all the sub has to do is type what I send them and I do the rest. Granted, I took a 50% cut on the work by hiring a sub, but now I know that even if I'm not working I have 7 cpl coming in. I don't understand why anyone should feel guilty if they are paying their subs a decent amount for what the work requires. Just last pay period she did 1000.00 worth of work (based on my 14 cpl) and I collected 500.00 of that (based on her pay of 7 cpl). As an IC, I just see it as a benefit to me, not sure why anyone would feel guilty.
I am a subcontractor.
I make 12 cpl with one company full-time acute care and 11 cpl part-time in pediatric subspecialties (neurology and oncology mainly) with another company. The FT does offer a daily production bonus.
Subcontractor Pay
Does $2.00/report for MRI, CTs and ultrasound reports sound reasonable for an MT with 20+ years experience?  I know some reports can be long, some short.  Any insight would be helpful.  Thanks
Subcontractor pay
I do some subcontracting for an IC. My checks are usually different from the amount on my invoice by a little. Sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less. Shouldn't my check be the total on my invoice?
It depends....are you an IC or a subcontractor?
  
10 cpl is not unreasonable as a subcontractor
I have had several subcontracting positions that pay 10 cpl and now working as subcontractor for 11 cpl. You do not have to accept the first thing they offer. Naturally, they are going to offer you a lower rate. If they offer say 9 cpl, then ask for 10 cpl. If they offer 10 cpl then ask for 11 cpl. It has worked for me. Now as an employee with good benefits, I will accept 9 cpl with an incentive plan.
Most hire a subcontractor
I think it it is wise to establish a relationship prior to needing them so they are already familiar with the account(s) and can do it with very little instruction.
Lisa - subcontractor
There have been people here who would like just a little extra.  If you get the account and once you are settled, why don't you put your need on the board.  You might find some bites.  Some people like to do a little extra.  Of course if it is something digital you could even go away from your state.  Just a thought.  I happen to enjoy helping others when on vacation.  It has worked for me in the past as well when I needed a vacation .
Paying a subcontractor
I am going to take in a subcontractor in an on-the-job training program. I want to know your input on paying them and paying yourself for the training. I an setting up an on-the-job training program. As an independent contractor, I receive 8 cents/line. I am going to have the subcontractor work with me in my office at my other work station, and I will teach her everything and QA all of her work closely until she is up to speed. I was thinking of paying her 6 cents/line and me 2 cents/line. What is your input on a suitable division of payments?
Diff between IC & subcontractor
What is the diff between these two?  And do most of you have set hours that work as a subcontractor or do you pretty much have flexible hours?  Thanks!
I agree, but if I have a subcontractor come
into my home to remodel or something, I certainly can tell them not to come at midnight or early in the morning because that does not work for me. He does not have to abide by that and can turn the job down, but I can certainly suggest it.
Taxes as IC or subcontractor?
Does anyone know about filing taxes as a subcontractor or IC? Do taxes work the same for both? Is it the self employed tax form? Any info is helpful thanks.
When I use a subcontractor, I pay them as soon as their invoice is turned in to me.

I consider it a good business practice to pay the sub as soon as their invoice is submitted. After all, don't you expect the client your contract with to do the same for you. You really should have paid this $100 invoice long before now. You have no recourse and should consider this a lesson learned.


Personally, I don't think you have any business subbing out work if you're no more prepared to pay and, apparently, are careless with the information that your sub receives from you. You could also be considered breeching confidentiality if you're not having the sub sign some sort of understanding regarding the confidential nature of the work you're sending out.


So you are subcontractor, not contracting with doctor direct.
If that's the case, then you need to ask the MTSO you work for if they can provide schedules for the doctors. They may not have them, either, but they could ask the docs for them. So it was their staff and not the doctor's staff that couldn't verify his schedule? That would be different advice then. Sorry - thought you were contracting directly with the doctor as your client. Sounds like you were hired through an MT service instead.

Maybe they get the work from the doctor that way, but the MTSO should try to organize and work it out with the doctor to see that it's uploaded promptly. Not all offices will cooperate in that respect so it's on the MTSO to remedy that, unfortunately. Some just send when they please without regard to the MTs' schedules, and sometimes you can talk until you're blue in the face but they still do it "their" way, on their terms. The MTSO could hold their ground and request the doc to send on a more regular basis, but it's pretty much out of your hands, I'm afraid.

As an IC, you can say "this is when I'll be available to work," and let the MTSO schedule accordingly. Or you can always find other IC work to supplement so you can at least work while you are waiting, or just find another gig altogether if it gets really bad.
2 accts are direct hospital, 1 is a clinic and the 4th is a subcontractor position. nm
.
And you think I have the issues!
You have a pretty vivid imagination. The only way you could think up all of that is if you went through it. I am sorry all of that happened to YOU! I really, truly am!
See? There you go with your issues.
If you weren't calling names or belittling people, why are you arguing with me?  No, I don't have to put up with verbal abuse from you or anyone.  I have no problems with differing opinions, so say whatever you want.  For someone who never did any of those things, you're sure coming back to this post to continue arguing about it.
She had issues
Yeah, I belive that's what it was. By no means do I feel repsonsible for what was going on with her. She had marital problems, 2 children at home that she couldn't bear to be without and was just confused about what she wanted to do with her marriage, not to mention the stress of working b/c she was used to the MT world.  But nevertheless, I'm kind of glad she's gone b/c she always came in with some sort of sob story.
I had issues with that one.
I have yet to be able to get my foot pedal to work with escribe. I finally downloaded transcription-buddy and it worked for me.
I have issues with this also .....sm
Some times I am so focused, no interruptions, stick to my schedule.....other times it is interruption after another, inability to focus, house to take care of....

It is pretty much Life and I just roll with it...


MS having issues
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jeUZjaoJFQeFLR1T-E76M3IsHm8gD8V294AO0
Yes, I have the same issues
I have the same issues at my company, and the bad thing is, once they make their changes, whether they be right or wrong...our initials are still on that report.  I had an issue with a QA person saying I had the wrong word...well the first time I let it go because I thought, maybe I heard it wrong...the next time I got a report from that doc, he clearly said the word that I had typed previously, so I emailed the QA person and told her NOT to change my word..this is what he is saying, and besides, I confirmed it through Google and other transcriptionists that I trust...she said, that is not the write use of that word, and I told her, that's not my problem, call the doctor and tell him it's not the right use of the word...I'm typing what HE says, he's the doctor....who are we to change what he wants...but I was really frustrated, and she told me she would look into it and let me know...I asked her all day about it, but she never did tell me what she ended up doing, probably changed it....It really makes me mad!  So, I'm right there with ya, and like you said there are some fair QA people out there, but the company I work for have a few that just drive me crazy!
SS issues
Please contact the Director of HR by email and the HR team will see to it that this issues are handled. Sorry for any inconvenience. We will looking at where the previous emails have gone and how (or if) they were handled properly.
no pay issues
do you think maybe you need to go to the source before believing all the negativity? the people posting these ads are likely disgruntled people fired for poor performance. i have worked for this company for quite some time and have not had my car repo'd! i wouldn't stay around if i wasn't happy.
Pay issues.

I don't understand.  I hear people complaining about their wages.  Yes, I know we aren't exactly paid that great of an amount, but seriously.  I see people complianing about making $20/hr or more.  I am lucky if I make $11.50 an hour right now (including shift differential and 5 years experience), but I don't care.  I have the luxury of being at home so that I can work while my son is sleeping (thus not paying $500/mo for day care).  I don't have to pay for gas to get to and from work.  I don't know about most of your situations, but I would be forking out at least $100/mo with gas prices at $2/gal in order to get to and from an outside of the home position.  And, I even qualify for benefits.  Add all that up, and it is more than worth it.  Why can't we just be happy that we have a job and can make money?  I am the sole supporter of my family right now, and $11.50/hr, I still can make it.  Yeah, I don't even have an extra $5 at the end of the month, but I can make all my payments, provide a roof over my family, and provide food and clothing.  I have a nice house (only 4 years old and +2300 sq ft), with a nice chunk of land, so it isn't like I am living poorly.  I don't understand how those of you making $20+/hr can sit here and complain that you aren't making enough and can't pay your bills.  I think instead of complaining about your wages, you should reevaluate how you are living.  I know different parts of the country are more expensive to live in, but I could easily make it on my income alone in most of the country.  Every position is suffering right now.  Our business is not the only business where people are taking pay cuts.  Why can't you just be happy with what you have? 


you certainly have other issues with sm
"abuse" besides your husband! T his is not abuse, this is the "norm" for medical transcription. The company you worked with last, probably didn't have enough work to give you a second account. Most MTs would love to be in thep osition of having more than one account. some barely get anything.
one word- ISSUES!!

I don't have issues with my parents are they are

both deceased, but I have "disowned" all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews.  I grew up believing I was the black sheep of the family and maybe I am, but their lives are so screwed up and I never heard from them unless they needed something and there was lots of bitterness and anger about various events - mainly my parent's death.  The only way I was able to deal with the issues was to disown them.  I was not interested in making things better because they aren't willing to make an effort and I just don't have time for that. 


My oldest sister hated my mom and was very ugly to her.  My mom did so much for her. All I heard was what a lowsy mother she was.  Well, my sister's daughter had a baby and gave it away, did drugs big time, drinking big time, has lived with several guys.  Her son is gay and can't hold a job, has had so many wrecks he has lost his license twice that I know of.  They just keep buying him vehicles very time he wrecks one.  He can barely make a move without having to ask mommy, is a druggie/drinker/liar.  Only my sister can't see all of this.   We all make mistakes and I don't claim to be a perfect parent, but.....


AAMT issues

There are many MTs out there I have encountered on other websites who all have different opinions and solutions regarding state of the AAMT.  Questions:  Would you like to see a new organization built and structured for the MT, not for money or politics...or would you like to see MTs unionized.... or do you think it would benefit MTs to have state licensure to practice?  Please go to website http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hardworker1111  and place your comments.  Hopefully if we all voice together we can make some real changes.  Looking for real solutions.  Thank you.


 


Autocorrect issues

I copied my autocorrect .acl file to a disk to load it to my new computer.  I copies it into 3 separate files that each had .acl and nothing comes up but the stuff normally put in, not my personal stuff.  Any help greatly appreciated.  Been searching internet too and I've been at this most of the day and I've just about given up.  Windows 2000, XP OpSystem


Keyboard issues
It was not hard at all, maybe a day or two, if that to get used to it and it didn't take long to get up to speed.  I love the hand positioning, it is very comfy for me.  I bought mine off ebay very cheap, 27.95 with shipping.
some major issues!
If the post set off some "emotions," then keep them to yourself, or scream them out loud at home where no one can hear you. The person who posted this did not do so to set off YOUR PERSONAL "emotions." I think your major emotion just might be jealousy!!
I have all the same issues you mentioned as well.
I guess everyone else is thrilled with the new version or just does not use it? May be my last year wasting my money with them unless I hear they have made dramatic improvements for next year.
server issues
I work for a large national and we have servers down, programs down, instand messager down pretty often.  And, no we get paid nothing for downtime even when it's the company's fault.  Really sucks! 
Not having those issues anymore since
I switched from the Belkin to my networking system through my telephone company, Bellsouth. If I had any problems with anything prior to my changing, Bellsouth came and would not touch the equipment, saying they could work on mine if I had their networking. Ok, since I had so much trouble anyway, decided to give in and try theirs and no problems at all anymore. I have had theirs now for probably around 5 months.
punctuation issues

I was very careful about punctuation until I had to research things and found that the MTs at my hospital NEVER use commas. I could barely understand some of the long, strung out sentences. I always researched obscure medical terms to make sure my work was accurate, yet I make $10 less an hour than others there because the pools are set up so some MTs get the profitable work before the rest of us. The point of this is, I don't feel that my excellent work is appreciated, and I don't believe the pool situation is fair, so I just do minimum to get by.  I also work IC to supplement my income,  and my IC work is much better because I feel appreciated.


 


MT Workplace Issues

What a long thread!  I wasn't sure where to post this within this thread, as it goes back and forth in topics from dying field, to let's strike, to managers are Satan, etc. 


My only conclusion from this thread regarding the unhappiness so many have with being an MT is that the majority of you are young. I say that because you have such passion to defend a field you feel is worth fighting for, and that certainly is not a bad thing.  I used to be you.  I am older, though not necessarily wiser, but I have learned what works - the hard way.


All your complaints are very true for this profession, as well as for every job on the planet.  There will always be office politics.  There will always be a gossip.  There will always be somebody who doesn't like you or that you can't get along with.  There will always be a supervisor you think is incompetent. On and on and on. 


At my last on-site job, there was a very tight clique and I did not fit in, probably because I didn't try, nor did I have the desire to do so.  I brought my lunch, ate it outside, in the office, where ever.  Sometimes someone not in transcription would come in and join me, which was great, and sometimes I would eat alone, which was great.  I was invited to go to lunch with my co-worker out of politeness I'm sure, and I did go - once.  After listening to the gossip and the complaining and the attacks on everyone who walked by, I knew that would be the last time I would go to lunch with her.  She thought she knew it all, and I let her think that.  It made her happy and my life easier.  She did her thing, I did mine.  We got along great at work, but we would never be friends, and that's why it was a great place to work. 


In a nutshell: Do your job and do it well.  Do your time, and when the day is over, it is OVER.  You don't worry about what others are saying about you or anyone else.  As for being the meek little typer flying low and never saying a word, don't be quick to judge.  She is the smartest one of the bunch provided she sticks up for herself on the job front if need be.  She doesn't get involved, she minds her own business and does what she was hired to do, and doesn't go home with a headache or an ulcer at the end of her shift.


If you don't like your pay, approach your supervisor with facts and figures backing up your work.  If you are unhappy, start looking elsewhere.  Unless you have legal recourse for some action that management has done, you are wasting your energy.  Actions speak louder than words, let your work speak for itself.  No company wants to see an A+ trancriptionist head for the door, but by all means do so if the job is not right.  Trying to change the mindset of your supervisor will come back to bite you in the butt because you are not the one with the power, she/he is, and you will be looked upon as a threat.  Live by your job description, the one you agreed to when hired.  If your working for the social aspects, lots of luck. 


This is a dying profession.  I will be 50 shortly and I am looking to change my profession because I don't want to be looking for a job at 58 because low pay, outsourcing and VR made it impossible to make a living.  I do not see this being a viable way to support myself in the long run. 


Wow, do I sound OLD!  


 


You really need to understand the issues.

The wage demands (usually union-driven) are what have priced Americans out of the more than this business. You need to get beyond this drama that you've created for yourself and look at the issue. Your 7 years in the business are nothing compared to my 21+ so don't think that your name-calling and having to have the last word are impressing me at all. You are letting emotions control your responses, not level-headed thinking.


And two other issues come in to play.
It's the company's responsibility also to make sure the MTs have the tools they need to do the work, not pass along unreasonable expectations and demands to the MT with no help. I'm thinking things like facility punishing for not filling in demographics when said dems aren't available to the MT. IME it's the "st*pid clerical stuff" that often gets focused on. Stuff that could be fixed with a little footwork and planning.

Secondly, the supe should get over the emotional delivery and hysteria. The MT needs to know the facts; they don't need to know how upset you are about it. They don't need to be made to feel st*pid without being given the tools to solve the problem. Management needs to go into problem-solving mode, not blame mode.
satellite issues

My satellite transmission goes out if there is heavy rain, snow, clouds.......birds flying by (just teasing).  Very frustrating when you are trying to meet a deadline, but this is the only thing I can get.  It was also EXPENSIVE.  $600.00 up front to start installation and then they stuck me for another $150.00 for "additional" costs.  Monthly fees are expensive too. I live in the sticks though so I am lucky to have satellite.


 


Sleep issues
I have tried over the years so many things without success or with side effects. Melatonin puts me in a light phase of sleep, waking up frequently. Valarian root causes palpitations. Antihistamines do the same thing as the melantonin.

My godsend ... Tension Rx Nightime. You can buy in a healthfood store (though can be hard to find) or on-line. It is a mixture of a few herbs, aminio acids and GABA. It is very relaxing but not over sedating, and I am thrilled that if I get up in the middle of the night, it keeps me drowsy so I can go back to sleep. Only downside is your body builds a tolerance, so instructions state 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. It also improves concentration and focus the next day.

Happy sleeping!
For IT issues/questions
I have found that productivitytalk.com has tons of information!
Give them a try! :)

tonighst issues seem to be
Urology and hip replacements! I dont even know where to begin to look for samples, et cetera
Wrist issues
Hi everyone!

I am having an issue with just my left wrist. It feels like it keeps locking up, and is pretty painful if I just let my hand dangle (like if you hold your arm out and relax your wrist so your fingers are going towards the ground). I only started working in April as an MT, and I am only 21. Do you think it could just be deconditioning or is it something I should get checked out? I don't have insurance right now so I really am trying to avoid a doctor's visit but I don't want to mess myself up permanently this young!

Thanks!
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