Understanding the Tax Implications of AB5 and Employee Classification

This complete guide will help you in understanding the tax implications of AB5 for contractors and worker/employee classification

By Claudio Pires
Updated on June 14, 2023
Understanding the Tax Implications of AB5 and Employee Classification

What Is AB5?

AB5, also known as the gig worker bill, is a California state law that went into effect on January 1st, 2020. The law is designed to reclassify many gig workers, such as ride-hailing drivers, delivery drivers, and other independent contractors, as employees. This complete guide will help you in understanding the tax implications of AB5 for contractors and worker/employee classification.

The purpose of AB5 is to ensure that gig workers receive the same benefits and protections that are afforded to traditional employees, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation. The law uses a three-part test to determine whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor.

AB5 has been a controversial law, with many gig economy companies arguing that it will harm their business model and limit the flexibility that their workers enjoy. On the other hand, proponents of the law argue that it is necessary to protect the rights of gig workers and ensure that they are not exploited.

Non-compliance might result in significant consequences, such as:

  • Fines and penalties: Businesses that violate AB5 can be subject to fines and penalties imposed by the state of California. The amount of the fine will depend on the specific violation and may be substantial.
  • Litigation: Businesses that violate AB5 may face litigation from workers who are seeking to be reclassified as employees and entitled to the benefits and protections that come with that classification.
  • Reputation damage: Non-compliance with AB5 may harm a business’s reputation, as workers and consumers may view the company as not following the law and not treating workers fairly.
  • Labor complaints: Workers who believe that they have been misclassified as independent contractors may file complaints with the California Labor Commissioner, which could result in an investigation and enforcement action against the business.
  • Back pay and benefits: If a business is found to have violated AB5, it may be required to pay back pay and benefits to workers who were misclassified as independent contractors. This could be a substantial financial burden for the business.

See this in-depth blog post to understand how AB5 is being shaped by lawsuits such as AB2257 and Proposition 22.

What Is the Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) ABC Test?

The Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) ABC test is a three-part test used in California to determine whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor. The test was codified into law by AB5 and is based on a 2018 California Supreme Court decision, Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles.

The ABC test consists of the following three parts:

  1. The worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and in fact;
  2. The worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and
  3. The worker is engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed.

In order for a worker to be an independent contractor under the ABC test, all three parts of the test must be happy. If any of the three parts are not happy, the worker must be classified as an employee.

AB5 Exemptions – Tax Implications AB5

AB5 contains several exemptions that allow some workers to continue to be classified as independent contractors. These exemptions were up to address concerns from various industries that the law would harm their business models and limit the flexibility of their workers.

Here are some of the major exemptions present in AB5:

  • Certain professions: AB5 exempts certain professions, such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, architects, engineers, private investigators, and accountants, among others.
  • Construction and real estate: AB5 exempts workers in the construction industry and real estate agents from the ABC test and allows them to continue to be classified as independent contractors.
  • Bona fide business-to-business relationships: AB5 exempts workers who are part of a bona fide B2B relationship, such as a contractor hired by another business to perform services.

These are some of the major exemptions up in AB5, but there may be others as well. It’s important to note that the law is still evolving. Some industries and worker groups are seeking additional exemptions or changes to the law for understanding tax employee classification.

How Will AB5 Affect Businesses?

To comply with AB5, some businesses might need to change AB5 Worker classification contractors such as:

  • Reclassification of workers: AB5 requires businesses to reclassify many gig workers. Such as ride-hailing drivers, delivery drivers, and other independent contractors, as employees. This means that affected businesses will need to provide these workers with benefits. Protections that are afforded to traditional employees. Such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation.
  • Increased labor costs: The requirement to provide benefits and protections to reclassified workers may increase business labor costs. This could impact their bottom line and lead some businesses to reduce their workforce. Or pass on the cost to consumers.
  • Changes to business models: AB5 may force some businesses to reevaluate their business models. So, make changes to comply with the law. For example, businesses may need to provide more benefits and protections to workers. Which could lead to changes in their schedules or compensation.
  • Competition: AB5 may create an uneven playing field for businesses. As some companies may be able to continue to classify their workers as independent contractors. While others are up to reclassify them as employees.

The Tax Implications of AB5

The tax implications of AB5 can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the worker and the business. However, here are some general aspects that might affect your business:

  • Employee vs. independent contractor: The classification of a worker as an employee. Or independent contractor will affect the tax obligations of both the worker and the business. Employees are typically subject to payroll taxes, such as social security and medicare taxes, while independent contractors are not.
  • Employer taxes: Businesses that are up to reclassify workers as employees. Under AB5 will be responsible for paying the employer portion of payroll taxes. Including social security and medicare taxes, for those workers.
  • Unemployment insurance: Businesses will also be responsible for paying unemployment insurance taxes for reclassified employees.
  • Withholding and reporting: Businesses must withhold and report income taxes for reclassified employees. Just as they would for any other employee.
  • Independent contractor taxes: Independent contractors who are not reclassified as employees under. AB5 will continue to be responsible for paying their own self-employment taxes.

It is important to note that the tax implications of AB5 can be complex. Businesses and workers should consult with tax professionals or accountants to understand their legal obligations understanding tax employee classification. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, AB5 Worker classification contractors in the California state law that reclassifies many gig workers as employees. Can have significant effects on both businesses and workers. It may bring increased benefits and protections for workers. But it can also result in increased costs and responsibilities for businesses. 

The classification of a worker as an employee or independent contractor impacts the tax obligations of both parties. Including payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, income tax withholding and reporting, and self-employment taxes.

It is important for businesses and workers to understand their specific obligations. Under AB5 and to consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure compliance with the law. I hope this complete guide will help you in understanding the tax implications of AB5 for contractors and worker/employee classification.

Author Bio: Gilad

Gilad David blog author David Maayan

Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP. Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point. Producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giladdavidmaayan/

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.