As an independent consultant, you enjoy the freedom to determine your own course. However, the line between independence and working as a disguised employee is sometimes thin. False independence is then lurking around the corner.
To avoid false self-employment, it is essential to define your employment relationship well. This means: clear agreements, independent project execution and direct invoicing. The DBA law plays a crucial role in this; it regulates the relationship between clients and self-employed persons.
Insight into the risks of false self-employment strengthens your position as an independent consultant. By having the right knowledge and preventing dependency, you ensure real autonomy in your work. In this way, you combine flexibility with security.
Recognize the signs of false self-employment
As an independent consultant, freedom is one of the biggest advantages. You determine your own working hours, clients and rates. But beware of the pitfall of false self-employment. This is an employment relationship in which you are officially a self-employed person, but in fact function as an employee. This puts you at risk of additional assessments from the Tax Authorities and fines under the DBA law.
Causes and consequences of false self-employment
False self-employment can arise from a lack of clear contractual agreements or if you have only one client for a long period of time. The consequences? Fines, additional assessments and missing out on social security that employees do have.
Avoid problems with clear contracts
- Provide a model agreement: Confirm your independence with an approved contract from the Tax Authorities.
- Vary your clients: Avoid dependency on one client by building a broader customer base.
- Be clear about your working method: Demonstrate that you can perform your work independently without direction or supervision.
- Keep developing: Invest in your knowledge and skills to increase your market value as an independent consultant.
A professional appearance as an independent consultant
A professional website underlines your independence. It shows that you run a serious business and helps you avoid false self-employment. With your own domain and business email, you present yourself as a true professional.
Your digital footprint with Flexamedia
With Flexamedia you will receive a complete zzp website that fully matches your professional image. This is 100% mobile-friendly, online within two weeks and you can adjust texts and photos yourself. All this for only €349 one-off and with free hosting in the first year.
Take the step towards a solid self-employed website
- Choice of domain: Choose a professional .nl or .com domain name that suits your business.
- Custom design: A unique design that reflects your expertise as an independent consultant.
- Content creation: We write catchy texts and add relevant images.
- Online visibility: Search engine optimization so that potential customers can easily find you.
- Customize yourself: The freedom to implement updates yourself without additional costs.
Take these steps to ensure your independence and grow with a professional website from Flexamedia. Available spots are limited, so make sure you get in quick. Click here for your complete zzp website package and lay the foundation for a risk-free future as an independent consultant today!
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognize false self-employment as a self-employed consultant?
As an independent consultant, it is crucial to recognize bogus self-employment. You may be bogusly self-employed if you do work that is very similar to that of permanent employees, but without the same benefits and protections. Look out for signs such as not being able to run your own business, having to accept assignments and having little freedom in how you do your work. This can lead to legal and tax complications.
What are the risks of false self-employment for me as an independent consultant?
The risks you run as an independent consultant with bogus self-employment are not small. You may be faced with additional assessments of taxes and social security contributions. You may also lose your entrepreneurial benefits, such as the self-employed persons' deduction. It is therefore important to have a clear agreement with your client that guarantees your independence in order to avoid these risks.
How do I protect myself against the consequences of false self-employment?
As an independent consultant, make sure you make clear agreements with clients. Work with contracts that support your independence and be proactive in demonstrating your independence, for example by having multiple clients. For extra certainty, a model agreement from the Tax Authorities can help. This will reduce the chance of problems with false self-employment and you will continue to enjoy your freedom as an independent entrepreneur.