Employees

[FeartheDeere]

Hi,
I'm a High School Jr. and have been in the mowing business for 4 years now. Since school in the spring and fall takes up much of my mowing time along with shorter daylight times, I cannot take anymore accounts or expand my business more for the next season by myself and my dad (when he is off). I want my business to keep growing, but I was wondering what kind of insurance I need to cover liabilities for employees. What things to I need to think about in this situation? I already have a trustworthy friend that would be willing to work for me, but I need to know some specifics.
Thanx,
Kevro's Mean Green Cut

[Scaper-S2k]

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There's alot to do when you hire employees. Once you start hiring, you have to go by the rules (well to be legal anyway). Yes, you'll need to cover him under your insurance. You'll need to do withholdings from pay, such as State, city, federal, SS and Medicare (and you'll have to meet what he withholds in SS and Medicare). You'll have quarterly filings with the government, along with filing W-2's and W-3's, or 1099's. You need Workers Compensation too. There are alot of things you will have to learn about this. Just ask. It may sound complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad.

[alcpi]

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I was under the assumption that Workman's Comp. is not a requirement up to 2 full time employees. I'd hate to see someone pay for something they don't need. All others as mentioned should be paid to maintain legitimacy.

[Scaper-S2k]

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The owner can choose to be exempt from WC. All others must be covered. When you incorporate, then the owner becomes President and now works for the company...so it is no longer his choice to be exempt, the company must pay WC. In some cases, officers of the corporation can become exempt, but it can be a hassle.

I am fairly sure Workers Comp laws are the same from state to state. I know in Ohio, every employee must be included under Workers Compensation. You may want to call your Chamber of Commerce, but I'm pretty sure all states are the same.

[alcpi]

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I'll definately check that one out. Thanks!

[alcpi]

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http://www2.myflorida.com/les/wc/faq/faqemplyrs.html
Question # 7 I believe pertains to requirements, but this is Florida.

[FeartheDeere]

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Hey guys thanx for all the advice! I am only looking to have one employee...he is a minor and he doesn't have to pay for social security until he's 18, right?

[qualitylandscaping]

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Fear,

When you get into this biz, everything costs ya.. I hope your business is registered (DBA) and you should also be paying taxes. If ya aren't well than nobodys gonna give you insurance and its illegal.

Social security, I don't know but there will be a lot of factors that determine that. Talk to a lawyer or insurance salesperson and see what they say.

Good luck!

[Maddog]

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When I checked with the insurance agency about workmans comp they said it was not required until I had over three employees. This is for NC but it sounds the similar to Florida.

[FeartheDeere]

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Thanx again guys, even STEVE!

[Scaper-S2k]

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Steve, you can use the 'dba' without being registered. DBA just stands for Doing Business As. You can get insurance without being registered also.

Steve, I'm not putting you down, just talkin'.