Welcome to the members-only section of ICA’s Website.
This article provides new members with our recommendations on the order of reading for the members-only section. Over time, the Website has become large and continues to expand. As a result, there are key parts of the site that we recommend as essential for independent contractors.
We recommend you Read First
Who is an Independent Contractor?
This is long, but we trust that it is worth reading. It details what we call the ‘swinging pendulum test’ or how you can be sure you are an independent contractor. It’s really all about being in business for yourself. By having a lay understanding of the tests which the courts use, the overarching and simple concept of being an independent contractor should become clear.
We recommend you Read Second
20 Point, One-Page, Checklist
We have provided this as a simple check list of the swinging pendulum test. It should be used as a ready reference with the background knowledge of the lay understanding.
We recommend you Read Third
Tax Clarity for Contractors
Most independent contractors want assurance of their tax status, but this is best understood once you understand what it means to be an independent contractor. ICA was formed out of the Australian tax debate of 2000-01 to fight for (and it continues to fight for) the right of independent contractors to have automatic rights to equitable business tax status and treatment. This was largely achieved in the PSI outcome of 2001 and it is important to have a general knowledge of the outcome. During 2004, ICA worked closely with the ATO to develop a layperson’s explanation of PSI. (The document was updated in 2006.) Reading this should give you a good guide to your tax status.
We recommend you Read Fourth
Making Sure You Get the Results Test Right
The key point to achieving business tax status under PSI is the ‘results test’. It is important to understand that the 80/20 test only applies if the results test is failed. ICA believes that most independent contractors should be capable of passing the results test.
We recommend you Read Fifth
ICA Guide to the Independent Contractors Act
This new law became effective in early January 2007. It makes clear the definition of an independent contractor and secures independent contractors’ rights to be treated as businesses. It is a world first.
We recommend you Read Sixth
Browse
Now we recommend a general browse. Many of the remaining members-only sections reinforce the core sections referred to above.
Other sections follow current policy developments and their impact on independent contractors. The principal activity of ICA is to advocate for independent contractor rights in all areas. These are many and varied.
As issues lose currency, they are shifted into the ‘Past Advocacy’ area for historical and interest reading.
A note on e-mail alerts
You will receive regular e-mail alerts as new material is placed on the Website. This usually occurs at least once a month or more frequently and is determined by unfolding events and the speed with which we can undertake quality analysis of issues. New material is placed prominently on the home page.