Are HVAC technicians considered self-employed? I have always wondered about this because I have met HVAC technicians that were self-employed, and I didn’t even know that this was an option.
Apparently, there are a ton of trades that are self-employed, but there is a loophole that allows people to do this.
I had no idea. Technically, the HVAC technicians work for the HVAC company. The HVAC company sets hours for the HVAC technicians, and the HVAC company pays them a salary for their work. However, the HVAC technicians are considered self-employed. The tools that HVAC technicians use are paid for by the HVAC technician themselves, and if they have to drive someone, the HVAC technician is paying for gas. The HVAC technician also has to pay double taxes. What does that mean? Well, normally, if the HVAC company is an employer, they have to pay a percentage of their earnings for benefits like health insurance and social security, and the employee has to pay the other part. However, when you are self-employed, the employee has to cover both parts, doubling their taxes. Now, I don’t think that HVAC technicians should technically be allowed to be self-employed. Technically, if the HVAC technician is self-employed, then they are the person that sets their own hours. However, if the HVAC company is controlling their hours, then the HVAC company is the employer, and they are responsible for the extra taxes. Do you know if all HVAC companies do this or just some? I would really hate to find out that my friend is getting ripped off by his HVAC company.