Business owners handle projects that they have the expertise and know-how to go about running them. In addition, they know relevant fields in their business such as marketing and integration of new technology. When deciding on how to pay independent contractors, you need to look at several factors, such as the amount you need to pay them, the taxes, and the number of contractors you need to hire. Therefore, it is essential to consider the critical factors to ensure you process their payments on time. Here are a few things to keep in mind when finding the best ways to pay independent contractors.
Online Payment Systems
Online payment systems offer the perfect solution because they can transfer money. Business owners can make online payments using Paypal because it has high levels of security and keeps your personal bank information private. If you want to pay your contractor using Paypal, they need a Paypal business account to send them money, and they can easily transfer to their bank account.
Checks
Checks are relatively cheaper than online payments and do not require you to sign up for an app. Even though they are simpler than other money transfers, they also have downsides, such as delayed processing of payments. Checks take a longer period to process because they take up to five working days to be cleared and reflect on the contractor’s account when they are written. In addition, the funds are not guaranteed, and this makes contractors cautious not to lose their money from unlisted companies. Besides, a bounced check can leave then with banking fees that could lead to delayed payments.
Credit Cards
Most employers prefer using credit cards for payments because they process quickly, which is an easy way to pay contractors. The best thing about credit cards is that they are a secure mode of payment. It is essential to keep your bank account information confidential because nobody would want to lose their money. A credit card is a perfect income mode because it helps keep your banking information private from your daily transactions. Therefore, to pay your independent contractor using a credit card, they should have a merchant account with their bank to enable quicker processing of their payments.
Wire Transfers
If you need quicker options for processing your payments, then opt for wire transfers. They process domestic transfers within a day though it comes with a cost. The essential thing to know when using money transfers is how much you trust the recipient. If you have already transferred the money to the recipient, it is hard to reverse. Therefore, they are a perfect option for time-sensitive payments.
Most employers find it cheaper to pay independent contractors than employees because they do not pay taxes. However, paying an independent contractor is not the same as paying a regular employee because most contractors can negotiate their payment options and set their pay rates.