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That's right. Would you give your plumber or accountant a raise?

Posted By: see inside on 2005-12-20
In Reply to: As an IC, you are techinically your own business. Therefore, it's up to you - to set and raise your rates.

Or, since they're a business and not your employee, would you expect they will raise their own rates when necessary?


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My plumber is an IC, but I sure...

don't expect him to show up in the middle of the night, and I wouldn't allow it.    Although I can't specify exactly when he does the work, I can reasonably expect him to work during they day.  Does that mean he is now my employee?  Of course not.


I work as an IC, and as long as I get my work done I am not required to work any specific schedule.  I can do it in the middle of the night, so I'm glad I'm an MT and not a plumber. 


 


This has not always been the case, hence it hurts more. Merit raise/cost of living raise
dd
Plumber jobs
$15 an hour is pretty good wages.  One would think he would have been flooded with applicants.  Guess it isn't JOBS the Astrodome residents want.
Plumber is IC. When you hire him, do you
x
The raise you're describing is a merit-raise, - (SM)
and I agree that a worker has to go above and beyond in order to get them. But what doesn't seem to happen in this industry is COST-OF-LIVING raises, which should automatically come to workers either in small increments yearly, or in larger increments every 2-3 years. Without wages that are at least somewhat *realistic* (and modern-day MT wages are a pathetic joke), it's no wonder quality workers are harder and harder to come by, and much harder to retain. An MT should not have to work sweatshop hours for 7 days a week just to keep their head above water financially.
Not an accountant
I am  not an accountant -- you can ask a financial advisor or someone.  I do have a business, business license - pay city business tax, etc. Registered name with the state.   So for me I can.  Also should clarify that what you can contribute does depend on what your income is after your business deductions.  I cannot claim all of the 10K that I contribue because after all my deductions my income does go quite low.  But I continue to contribute it to both an IRA and SEP so that I can maximize my deductions.  But being an MTSO/IC does give me more usable income because I do maximize my deductions and plan for the future.  
Man! Do I pay a lot for my accountant!
I've given him 22 of the best years of my life, two children, and I do most of his cooking!
But, seriously, my husband is a CPA, and yes, he uses TurboTax. He uses the professional version which has a few more bells and whistles, but that's what he's used for years, and that's what he recommends. In fact, he really wishes his "shoebox and paper bag" clients would just learn to use TurboTax. He has to do corporate returns by March 15, and those suck the life out of him. He doesn't even bother with anyone's personal returns until after March 15.
Unless you have a complicated list of investments, unusual expenses, multiple businesses, or nonprofit stuff to file, you probably would manage just nicely with TurboTax.
As for me, my return is already completed. If he doesn't do it now, he won't have time to finish it in April. I haven't done a tax return since I was 21 years old. :) Lest you feel jealous, know that he can't do a darn thing mechanical around the house, and he snores like a bear! Happy New Year, and Happy Tax Season!
I am going to be an accountant -
I will graduate in December with my associates degree and then on to a job somewhere out of transcription while I work on my 4-year and CPA.
MT to accountant?
I am looking at going into accounting (associates degree - obtaining it on-line).  Does anyone have any thoughts, opinions, ideas, suggestions, anything that might be helpful or useful to help guide my decision as to whether or not to pursue it?  It will cost me about $8000 over the next 2 years, but I will be able to continue to work full-time as an MT, though will be trying to juggle full-time MT, full-time school, and a 2-year-old, so it will be interesting.  That's about it.  Any opinions are well appreciated. 
per my accountant - and being on production

being on production, you don't know what you're going to make - so it doesn't apply to us.  In the beginning, I used to pay quarterly.  I now pay annually and the IRS just returned $3700 in overpayment to me for this year.  Yep, I just recently received a check back for overpaying my 2005 taxes!!!  As long as you pay and on time, the IRS lets us do this.  Been doing it this way for years now and I have no IRS problems *thank goodness*


Better get a better CPA/accountant if they don't tell you these things......or maybe different strokes for different states, but I don't think so.



I pay yearly also....per my tax accountant. sm
It doesn't matter as long as you pay - quarterly, yearly, etc.

You really need a good accountant. sm
SS# is fine. You will need to give your contractor a 1099 at the end of the year and deduct her income off of the top. That is a deduction for you from your gross.

Really, though, you need an accountant because things do tend to get a little tricky.

Good luck!
Check with accountant
Pay the money and get do a consult with an accountant so you can understand the basics and know what and what not to do.  The money is well worth it.   Or get an old copy of Turbo Tax for self employed to see what you can and cannot use for deductions.   All of my accounts use by SSN on my 1099 which will will receive from them and in turn prepare a 1099 for your IC or subcontractors.   Be sure that they meet the requirements for IC's.  Go the IRS website and this will give you some information but again I cannot stress with all of those who are starting out find a good accountant and get their expertise advice.  After 2 to 3 years of having my account handling my business, and our joint tax returns and advice, I am now able to do it on my own with Turbo Tax for the past 15 years but to begin with you need some expert advice.  I am not knocking you but it really sounds like you do not have an understanding of even the basics of how to handle the taxes and finances of your business so you need to do some homework and get some advice.   It is simple but again with his/her help you will know that what you are doing is correct and that will cause a lot less headaches in the years to come. 
Patti
Yep, me too. My accountant deducts these
every year and I am a regular employee, not IC.
Thank you. My accountant has given me advice.
He said I should pay the contractors less.

Yes, the point was for me to make money.

What I'm saying is that it is tough. Not just for MTs. It is a tough business right now. There are lots of companies who can snatch my accounts easily. MTs want more money, clients want faster TAT, I have to be able to afford my equipment and business overhead (and it is SLIM, very lean) but apparently I am the one who is supposed to do without.

Everyone keeps saying to just pay less. Then MTs will quit. Then I'll be forced to send work overseas.

It's a mess.

Appreciate your reply, though.

I'd get a new accountant. I work FT as an
employee, have since day one and I can itemize and claim everything but the self-employment taxes. 
Get an accountant...even H&R block will do.
I made the mistake of doing the taxes myself one year (TurboTax)and ended up getting audited for that year 2 years later. Luckily it only cost me $1200 but I'm sure it could have been much worse. I just go to H&R Block. At least if I get audited again, they'll handle all the work AND pay my fine if it's something they messed up on.
become an accountant or personal trainer
Although I dont make under 10$ an hour as an MT, try working more as my supervisors and managers have told me in the past when I have asked for a raise. In all seriousness, where do you work that you make that little?  Are you paid by the line and how much?  Switch companies, do not accept less than 8 cpl.  I saw an ad for MDI and they start you at 8.5 cpl.  IC's usually make 9+, if you do not need the insurance coverage.
Hmm. Every doc, nurse, attorney, accountant
I know is making WAY good money and none are working at McD's!!! LOL


I dunno know - leave it up to my accountant. That is what I pay him for. nm
x
If you had an accountant do your taxes, contact him or her. nm
x
See an accountant. I'm sure you saved your old income tax
zz
get an accountant -- you can take off their fee as a tax deduction and to me, it's worth it to ma
sure my taxes go in quarterly and correctly so that I don't get slammed at the end of the year!
Taxes regarding self-employed = getting an accountant
Get yourself one, and he'll explain everything you need to know.
I wouldn't file w/o an accountant. sm
I know some use Turbo Tax and the like with success, but I like the security of having an accountant tell me what I can and cannot deduct based on my personal situation and facts. You can find private CPAs that don't charge an arm and a leg and the amount is also tax deductible. Our CPA does our taxes and answers questions throughout the year for a very nominal flat annual fee. Well worth it, especially if you ever get audited.
Don't forget the accountant's/bookkeeping
Legal fees, Internet service, subscriptions, dues to organizations, repairs to equipment, % of office space, postage (if applicable), mileage (if deliver/pickup), advertising (if applicable), security system (burglar alarms, etc. if applicable),probably more I can't think of right now.
Why don't you ask the accountant who did your taxes last year?
I'm sure they are better able to answer that question than anyone here.
I suggest you seek out an accountant sm
Since you have no experience as IC, you really need to talk to an accountant. Honestly, that is the only way to be knowledgable about it. I had to do that 18 years ago when I started as IC. Each year, the tax laws are updated, new write-offs, things you were deducting can't be deducted anymore, etc.

I have had the same accountant now for about 12 years, and he is not that expensive. Last year, he charged $180. Not too bad.
I would call a tax attorney/accountant in
x
You need to talk to accountant. His fee is tax deduction, you will want several dedections each
6
Don't worry about what you have to pay an accountant. You'll make it up

you OVERPAID your taxes by almost $4K? Sounds like YOU're the one who needs a better accountant.
x
I'm repeating what my accountant told me. Go argue w/him I guess.

He said find out what you need to make and then multiply that x 3.


 


I paid at least 30% tax last year, or more.  even with my piddly deductions.


 


Do u think a lawyer or accountant or doc has "QA" person - nope, if they screw up... they scr
As an MT, we know what our job is period. WE produce a report at 98% quality or better. This should be done without QA as we should take pride in our work and make sure it is correct. Of course, then again, we are "tested" for a job. Other professionals are not. I refuse to be. If a company mentions a "test" that is a big turn off for me.


Bottom line - know what you are doing and complete an accurate report (within 98% for human error rate which we all have) or learn another field... not a hard concept
The girl was 13, the rapist a distant relative they took in. Give money, give food and your time, b
you don't put your family at risk by taking in strangers. That's just plain foolish. There were over 3300 registered sex offenders in NO. Where are they now. In your community? Perhaps in your house? Good luck.
oh our lovely government does give illegals medicaid, foodstamps, and housing so in term we give tha
i have been through some rough times lately and had to apply for some help. there are signs, big signs, all over our offices saying "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE LEGAL TO GET HELP". so we and our government do give them our benefits whether they are legal here or not. now that is messed up. i am helping to support them so they can take away my jobs and i can't even support my kids and yes i get benefits, wow $75 a month in food stamps which lasts not even a week in a household of 6. don't get me wrong, i am thankful for any help at the moment, but i get penalized for trying to work my tail off and still can't survive.

there was recently an article in our local newspaper where one of our local school districts tried to charge $1000 a year for each illegal student enrolled. it was bulked and the illegals got a lawyer to sue for discrimination. the school district merely stated that they had to HIRE extra teachers that could speak the foreign language just to teach these children and were trying to offset some of the expenses. ridicilous!! so again our taxpayers money is paying to educate illegals as well.
Aw come one give her a break. She said she was sorry and is willing to refund. Give her a chance to

do what is right.  If she fails to do what is right, then go about this in an adult way and not act like such a child.  "you suck"  That is so immature.


She is responding to you and you are eating her alive.  Why would she put herself out there to be treated like this if she didnt mean it. 


I am really astonished at how people can act on here.  Would you treat people like this in person?  If you do, I cant imagine you having very many friends. 


Remember we are all "HUMAN." 


 


MQ raise
My last raise was in 1998.  When I asked for one last year, I got one quarter of a cent.  Then three quarters of a cent were taken away from me when I started DocQscribe, as I was told I was gonna make so much more money with DQS.
raise
May want to follow up with a phone call, sometimes if they get a lot of email it is easy to overlook them. That's what I do if they don't get back to me as soon as I think they should, anyway :)
getting a raise
How does one go about getting a raise as an independent contractor? I am not even in the same state. Shoud I e-mail or phone and how long should I wait before asking? In the past, I could always ask a co-worker, but my kids are my co-workers now. Does anyone know the correct protocol?
anyone with DSG ever get a raise?
d
Raise
I've been with MQ for a good while and I'm happy (just because my office is awesome), but I'm an intrigued with their production comparisons (ASR vs non-ASR) and interpreting polls (after the first one I sent that they "interpreted," I never sent another).

My theory on raises: Since the ASR rate will be reduced, you already have a "built-in" raise by not doing ASR. This is not to say they won't give raises eventually, but if you ask for one because you are doing the scum, they will say, "Well, the ones who do ASR don't get paid as much."

My advice to you would be to do ASR. Or get a different job because with MQ, this is the future. At least if you can master it and as the ASR improves (you'll get faster), you won't have a continuous diet of bottom-feeder material. That would absolutely drive me crazy. They probably eventually will eliminate all non-ASR'ers anyhow once the system is more refined.

Just total speculation on my part.
raise?
I hope whatever they gave you in the form of a raise compensates for what you have to go through, day in, day out, without any reprieve, and without even a good doc thrown in for good measure.  Does it?  Was it at least a buck an hour, and preferably two bucks?  Or was it two bits?  Keep your eyes open, MQGuy.  It won't be long before you are OUTTA THERE!   (Will the 0.050 cents per line, or whatever paltry sum it was, pay for your psychologist to keep you as sane as you are now?) I wish you luck, and I mean it sincerely.  They got you hook, line and sinker.
Do ICs ever get a raise? -sm
I work as an IC for a great company.  I have been with them almost 2 years now.  I  would like a pay raise.  As an IC, do I ask for it?  If so, how is this approached?  I have worked as an IC for almost 10 years for various companies.  Some give you a raise, most do not.  I would stay with this company either way.  TIA
Have been there over 4 yrs and no raise other than
across the board raises that everyone gets, latest being $0.002/line.  (No that wasn't a typo, it was actually a very insulting .002cpl).  Was told upon hire there would be merit raises.  Asked about one after a year of exemplary service with 100% QA and was pretty much laughed at.
pay raise
I was wondering when it is appropriate to ask for a raise?  I was thinking around my first year anniversary.  Also, how much is usually given? Do they up .5 cpl or 1 CPL? Just curious. 
MQ raise?
and how might I ask did you accomplishment the acievement of 2 raises in the past 3 months for MQ?
Wow, I need to ask for a raise! I am 1:2
5 min of dication takes me 10 min to transcribe.  If I have to re-listen to something, or look up, it may take 11 minutes. 
to ask for a raise?

To make a long story short, I've had this account for 4 years, and am on a salary.  At first I didn't think I would make any money since it was a salaried accout, but as it turns out, some days there is much to do and other days there is not as much, so it rather evens itself out, but then there are days when I'm working from daylight until dawn, but those days are rare.  Four years ago this was great money.  However, the COST OF LIVING has gone up exponentially!    I love this account, but it's my sole income; I have no other accounts.  Thus far I've been able to make it on this account and prefer to not take on anymore work because, as I previously mentioned, some days there is more work than I want, but it has to be done.  It would just make life much more difficult to take on more work for the days that they slam me, which outweigh the light days.  My problem is this:  I really want to ask for a raise, but afraid to rock the boat.  I realize all they can do is say no, but then, once I've mentioned wanting a raise it might plant the seed that I might be moving on if they don't give me a raise, which I have no intention of doing, but how do I tell them that?   I can't just say when asking for a raise: "Can I have a raise?"  (them) No, you cannot.  Me:  Okay, just thought I'd ask.  I am at a loss as to what to do about this situation.  Any advice would be so much appreciated from anyone with experience in such a predicament as this.  Thank you very much.


to ask for a raise?
I own the account personally. It is not through an MTSO.

Wow, sounds like you've gotten the really short end of the stick, and I feel so bad for you. I hope you'll get what sounds like a well-deserved raise, or be able to find another company who will appreciate you for what you really do. Good luck to YOU.
Are you asking for a raise or trying to get an
s