As a freelance videographer, you are always looking for the balance between creative freedom and business security. But how do you avoid the pitfalls of false self-employment, where you are actually treated as an employee without the associated rights?
Recognizing the signs of false self-employment is crucial. This means that you know the rules of the DBA law and know how to demonstrate that you are actually self-employed. A clear agreement of assignment is of great importance here.
Protect your status as a freelancer by communicating clearly with your clients, offering your services to a variety of clients, and running your own business. With these steps, you will be strong and stay safe on the path to self-employment.
What is bogus self-employment and why is it a risk?
As a freelance videographer, you are often looking for freedom and flexibility in your work. That is the fun of being a freelancer. But be alert to false self-employment, because that can be a pitfall that you do not want to fall into. It means that you are formally self-employed, but in practice you work as if you were employed, with all the associated risks. For example, you may be faced with additional assessments of taxes and social security contributions.
How do you recognize false self-employment?
You can recognise false self-employment by a number of characteristics in your working relationship with clients:
- Instructions and control: Your clients tell you exactly how to do your work and monitor this closely.
- Little freedom: You have little to no influence on your working hours, prices or the content of your work.
- Materials and tools: These are provided by the client, which may indicate a relationship of dependency.
- Long-term cooperation: You have been working for the same client for a long time without any real entrepreneurial risk.
Prevention of false self-employment
Prevention is better than cure. With these steps you keep your position as an independent safe:
- Variety of clients: Work for multiple clients to avoid dependency on one client.
- Make clear agreements: Include in contracts that you determine how you carry out the work.
- Stay enterprising: Continue to invest in your business by advertising or developing yourself, for example.
- Use a model agreement: An agreement approved by the Tax Authorities can provide you and your client with certainty about your working relationship.
- Invoice professionally: Provide professional invoicing and build a business relationship with your customers.
Build your professional image
A professional website helps to emphasize your independence. Flexamedia offers a complete self-employed website package which not only increases your online visibility, but also reduces the risk of false self-employment.
Administration and business
Ensure a balanced administration that underlines your independence. This includes:
- Business account: Keep all your business transactions separate from your personal expenses.
- Administration up-to-date: Keep your accounting, invoices and contracts up to date and well organized.
- VAT return and taxes: File your VAT return on time and set aside part of your income for income tax.
- Legal advice: If necessary, seek legal assistance to have your contracts reviewed.
Make a clear distinction between contractor and employee
Always emphasize the difference between you as a contractor and an employee in your communications and agreements. This avoids confusion and strengthens your position as an independent contractor.
Ensure continuity and diversification in your work
Continue to proactively acquire new clients and expand your services. This shows that you are a true entrepreneur and that you are actively looking for a varied range of work.
A well-optimized website can be the key to professional success and helps you maintain your independence. Flexamedia is ready to make this a reality. Claim your complete zzp website package and take a big step towards a safe and more secure future as a freelance videographer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid false self-employment as a freelance videographer?
As a freelance videographer, it is crucial to have a clear agreement with clients that shows that you really work independently. Make sure you have multiple clients, use your own tools and decide for yourself how and when you do the work. This shows that you operate independently of one specific client.
Also always record that you are not working under the authority of the client. In addition, be proactive in maintaining an administration that demonstrates your independence: invoices, correspondence and contracts. This helps to substantiate your position as an independent entrepreneur.
What are the dangers of false self-employment for freelance videographers?
False self-employment can lead to unpleasant consequences, such as fines and additional assessments from the tax authorities. If you are wrongly classified as an employee as a freelancer, this can also affect your right to entrepreneur's deduction and other tax benefits. It is therefore important that you are aware of the rules and comply with them.
In addition, bogus self-employment can create a risk of claims from clients, for example if they are held liable for unpaid payroll taxes. By being well informed about the laws and regulations and by making clear agreements, you can minimize these risks.
What steps can I take to avoid false self-employment as a freelance videographer?
A good step is to draw up a Model Agreement in accordance with the DBA Act, in which the agreements with your client are clearly described. This document, available via the Tax Authorities website, makes it clear that there is no employment relationship. Also ensure that practice corresponds to what is stated in this contract.
In addition, it is important to have your own business operations with a professional appearance: your own letterhead, website and company name, for example. This underlines your independence. Furthermore, you must ensure that you do not work for one client on a structural basis, which could be an indication of a permanent employment contract.