On the Road – Paying Live Across State Lines
Staging an exciting and memorable live event takes a lot of talent and a reliable crew. Hiring, paying and providing benefits for talent and crew requires a deep knowledge of state and federal labor laws, tax law, payment processing and more. Those responsibilities multiply when you take your hit show on the road and cross state lines.
Many live events businesses are realizing the risks associated with paying independent contractors in light of shifting employment laws and are choosing to curb liability, avoid financial peril and pay employees as true employers. With this decision comes increased responsibility as well as increased protection for a live events business.
Don’t undervalue the benefits of incorporating your live events business and paying employees legitimately. In exchange for accountability, you get peace of mind.
On the Road: Paying Live Across State Lines is an in-depth eBook on running and maintaining a live events business in one state or across multiple states. We cover the following key points:
- W2 employees vs. independent contractors
- Onboarding and Form I9
- Setting up and successfully running payroll
- Calculating tax burden
- Handling wage garnishments or “withholding orders”
- Registering your business in multiple states for traveling shows
- Hiring union members and working with their guilds
- Purchasing workers’ compensation insurance
- Maintaining your Xmod score
- Processing unemployment claims
- Providing health insurance under the Affordable Care Act