If your value-added group is paying individuals to do work for you, are these people independent contractors or employees of your company.  There is a big difference, and the difference is important.  It is also important for the person(s) doing the work.

To help you understand the role of independent contractors and how the relationship should be structured, see the links listed below of articles posted on related Web sites.

Independent Contractor versus Employee

• Employees vs. Contractors – What’s the Difference – Small Business Administration – Whether a person is an independent contractor or an employee generally depends on the amount of control exercised by the employer over the work being done.
  
• Did I hire an Employee or an Independent Contractor? – NOLO Law for All – Misclassifying a worker can have serious consequences.

Hiring an Independent Contractor

• Hiring Independent Contractors FAQ – NOLO Law for All -- Plain-English answers to questions about hiring independent contractors -- and the differences between contractors and employees.
  
• Get It in Writing: Two Steps to Take When You Hire Independent Contractors – NOLO Law for All –Require independent contractors to fill out a questionnaire and provide documents to prove that they are really self-employed.
  
• Independent Contractor or Employee – NOLO Law for All – How Government Agencies Make the Call Make sure the independent contractor you hire doesn't get reclassified as an employee.
  
• Put your Independent Contractor Agreement in Writing – NOLO Law for All – Written independent contractor agreements and contracts provide you with legal protection.

Being an Independent Contractor

• Independent Contracting – Small Business Notes -- Do you want to run your own business, but don't know what business is right for you? How about becoming a independent contractor, doing what you know best?
  
• Independent Contracting Resources – Small Business Notes – Resources for independent contractors.
  
• Do Independent Contractors Need Business Licenses? – NOLO Law for all -- You may need a license -- even to work from home.
  
• Getting Clients to Pay Up – NOLO Law for All -- Here's some advice about what to do if a client won't, or can't, pay.