Industry Articles
Auditors Crack Down On "Independent Contractors"
CNN Money | March 29, 2010
(CNNMoney.com) -- If your business uses independent contractors, get ready for new scrutiny. Hoping to boost tax revenue, the IRS and many state governments are cracking down on how companies classify their workers.The IRS audit program is just the beginning of what will be "a new era of compliance," says Gene Zaino, president and CEO of MBO Partners, a services firm that specializes in the independent contractor market. "Most states are now sharing data with the IRS, and many have set up task forces specifically [to address] misclassification. It used to be that if a business ran into trouble with a state labor department or with the IRS, the issue was isolated. Now, any kind of audit or compliance finding can set off a domino effect where the other agencies will get in on the action."
Enforcement On Use of Contractors Is Through The Roof
Heard on the Street | Staffing Industry Analysts CWS 30 | March 15, 2010
If President Obama's 2011 budget passes, it would add hundred new enforcement personnel to crack down on the misclassification of workers as contractors. Meanwhile, the IRS in February began a comprehensive employment tax audit program, selecting companies at random to review their IC classifications, In light of the increased attention to the issue of IC classification, companies need to scrutinize their independent contractor practices.There are a number of third-party independent providers, such as MBO Partners, that specialize in services and programs for managing independent contractors.
Obama Cracks Down On Use Of Contractors
Inc. Magazine | February 18, 2010
President Barack Obama's proposed 2011 budget suggests tough times ahead for employers who rely heavily on independent contractors in order to keep down labor costs.
If the budget is approved, the Internal Revenue Service will add 100 new enforcement personnel as part of a $25 million plan to crack down the misclassification of workers as independent contractors. Though it's a mere drop in the $3.8 trillion spending plan, it's expected to more than pay for itself: Obama claims stronger misclassification enforcement will add $7 billion to the federal bank account over 10 years. This month the IRS also began a three-year audit of 6,000 companies (2,000 per year.) And don't assume the agency is only interested in big targets -- unlike routine employment tax audits that often are triggered by questions about company returns, the 6,000 audits are being chosen by statistical sampling -- luck of the draw. And if you aren't chosen this round, you may be soon. "It's essentially a recon mission in preparation for a much bigger onslaught, and they've said as much," observed talent management firm MBO Partners' 1099 Risk Blog.
MBO Partners Sponsors HCI's Workforce Planning Conference, June 16-17 in Boston
Human Capital Institute Press Release, PRWeb, June 10, 2009
The Human Capital Institute annouced that MBO Partners is a proud sponsor of their Workforce Planning Conference to be held in Boston, MA, June 16-17, 2009. This conference will bring together thought leaders in workforce planning, as well as industry leaders, to discuss the biggest issues facing human capital professionals. Speakers will address the impact of the economic downturn, incorporating contract talent, and the future of "work", among many other timely topics.
Meet Gene Zaino: Strategic Talent Acquisition
The Talent Economy, Human Capital Institute Blog, May 26, 2009
The Human Capital Institute features Gene Zaino, President and CEO of MBO Partners, in an interview on the state of the Contract Talent industry, including the evolution of talent acquisition for HR and Talent Management professionals. In addition, he discusses the current trend toward individuals pursuing entrepreneurial careers in consulting, as independent contractors, or starting a small business.
Clear Path for Contract Labor
Future Pharmaceuticals, Quarter 1 2009 Issue
The pharmaceutical industry is not immune to the risks of engaging contract employees. Rejoining the workforce as an independent consultant is an increasingly attractive option for retirees, particularly those leaving a career at a pharmaceutical company. Gene Zaino, President and CEO of MBO Partners, discusses the best way to manage independent contractors while mitigating the risk involved with utilizing a contractor vs employee.
Download a copy of the Future Pharmaceuticals issue featuring Gene Zaino here.
Listen to the interview here.
Gene Zaino Featured on "Leaders Spot" Podcast for Business Leaders
The Leaders Spot, March 25, 2009
Gene Zaino, CEO and President of MBO Partners, joined Rebecca Blacksmith on her podcast, The Leaders Spot, a show featuring interviews with business leaders from well known and emerging companies nationwide. Zaino explained his own leadership philosophy and talked about how that spirit helped MBO Partners become a leader in the contingent workforce community. He also discussed the MyBizOffice technology and how it has revolutionized the way independent consultants run their businesses safely and successfully.
Nailing Down Whether Workers Are Contractors
Investors Business Daily*, February 22, 2009
Gene Zaino, CEO of MBO Partners, gives expert insight into worker classification in this article focusing on the common misconceptions surrounding contractors and contractor engagement. Mr. Zaino sheds light on the IRS' "Twenty Questions," a litmus test for independent contractors used to avoid misclassification. Unfortunately, due to vague rules and strict oversight, many companies still fall victim to reclassification.
(*Free registration may be required to read article.)
Fairfax County EDA Works with 23 Businesses that will Create More than 800Jobs
Fairfax Leader, Third Quarter 2008, page 3
MBO Partners was featured as a company poised to bring new jobs to the Fairfax County region. Gene Zaino, CEO and President of MBO Partners, comments that this area is a prime location for independent consultants to grow their business.
Finding Talent Through Crowdsourcing
SIreview, January 2008
MyBizOffice is featured in this article focusing on companies which have found innovative ways to leverage "Crowdsourcing" in their business models. The term Crowdsourcing fundamentally reflects the trend toward using more open marketplaces to bring talented individuals together with new clients and assignments.
Advisor health insurance options exist
Investment News, April 16, 2007
Crain’s Investment News highlights MyBizOffice’s solution, which brings true group health benefits for financial advisors and insurance sales professionals.
Close Encounters of the Tax Kind: Use Independent Contractors Without Alienating Regulators
Contingent Workforce Strategies Magazine, April, 2007
MyBizOffice and CEO Gene Zaino are highlighted in the April 2007 issue of Contingent Workforce Strategies Magazine in an article by Subadhra R. Sriram. In the article, Sriram details the IRS’s current efforts to crack down enforcement on independent contractors (and the companies that engage them) in order to recoup a portion of the $345 billion annual tax gap. The article recommends MyBizOffice as an expert organization specializing in contractor compliance and risk management.
Amid tightening health insurance squeeze, company offers solution
Real Estate Broker's Insider, February 15, 2007
This real estate broker-focused publication highlights MyBizOffice's solution and features testimonials from real estate recruiting expert Judy LaDeur.
Innovative Staffing Business Models
SIreview, January/February 2007
This article discusses a small group of innovative companies, including MyBizOffice, that are changing the face of the contingent workforce industry.
Maximizing the Value of Contingent Employees
Contingent Workforce Strategies, November/December, 2006
In this interview, Allan Schweyer, President and Executive Director of the Human Capital Institute, outlines the differences between managing contingent workers vs. full-time employees. He praises MyBizOffice in discussing techniques businesses can use to improve their contract labor management.
Government Goes Contingent
Contingent Workforce Strategies, January/February, 2006
Thsi article covers the increasingly popular use of contingent labor within government agencies. MyBizOffice is featured for its work administering contract-based investigators for USAID.
Where to Start an Independent Career? Look in the Mirror
Certification Magazine, December, 2005
In the third of a series of articles, MyBizOffice President and CEO Gene Zaino advises new independent professionals to carefully ascertain their own skills, experiences, and network before making the leap to career independence.
Taking the Independent Plunge: Dip Your Feet or Dive Headfirst?
Certification Magazine, November, 2005
In the second of a series of articles, Gene Zaino explains the relative merits of the four pirmary models that new independent professionals can choose: working through a staffing company, working as a sole proprietor, self-incorporating, and working through a portable employer-of-record.
10 Million Reasons to Go Solo
Certification Magazine, October, 2005
In the first of a series of articles, Gene Zaino discusses the independent lifestyle and cites recent labor statistics showing consulting's growth in popularity.
Who's in Charge?
Contingent Workforce Strategies, July/August, 2005
Should HR or Procurement execute a contingent workforce strategy? This subject is explored in detail in this CWS feature article. The author discusses MyBizOffice in covering why high-end professional talent requires vastly different management than "commodity" labor (such as clerical and light industrial jobs).
Financial services schedule sales are booming
FederalTimes, May 30, 2005
MyBizOffice President and CEO Gene Zaino discusses MyBizOffice's success as part of the GSA's Financial and Business Solutions (FABS) schedule.
Tax day is here
NCTimes.com, April 15, 2005
Gene Zaino is quoted in this article about last-minute tax filing and how you can make tax filing easier in the future.
April may be less taxing for real estate agents taking W-2 route
Houston Business Journal, April 8, 2005
MyBizOffice's Director of Real Estate Sales Wade Turner authors an article discussing how Texas Real Estate agents may take advantage of the convenience of W-2 employment to make their tax administration—and their entire independent careers—significantly easier.
Direct Engagements: How You Can Take Advantage
The Consultants Report (the newsletter of the ICA), March, 2005
Gene Zaino explains why direct engagements are rising in popularity and instructs independent consultants how best to take advantage of this trend.
Radio Interview: Landed.fm
February 17, 2005
Gene Zaino discusses the growth of the contingent workforce and how the emergence of portable employer-of-record (PER) service like MyBizOffice are changing the way independent individuals and client organizations work with one another.
Tax Time: What’s an IT Contractor to Do?
Certification Magazine, February 14, 2005
Gene Zaino is interviewed in this article about how using a portable employer-of-record (PER) service can make filing year-end taxes much easier for independent workers.
Help for the Health Insurance Hunt
BusinessWeek Online, December 17, 2004
Gene Zaino is quoted as part of a Q&A session concerning the availability of affordable health insurance for small companies.
MyBizOffice Employer Profile
Washington Times, November 22, 2004
MyBizOffice is featured on the front page of The Washington Times "Employment Extra" section. The feature includes a front-page picture of the MyBizOffice management team and an article discussing MyBizOffice as an employer.
Why job market stays tough
Christian Science Monitor, November 3, 2004
Gene Zaino is quoted in an article by Ron Scherer about the continuing difficulties in the U.S. job market
Radio Interview: BusinessAmerica Radio
October 5, 2004
MyBizOffice President and CEO Gene Zaino spends a full hour discussing the impact contract workers have on the U.S. economy.
Hiring Temps? Here's How to Keep it Legal
Inc.com, August 18, 2004
Gene Zaino is quoted in an article by Allan Schweyer of the Human Capital Institute about how business can avoid the risks associated with bringing on contract workers.
Contract Worker Risk: Not Just for the Big Boys
National Federation of Independent Business Web Site, August 1, 2004
Gene Zaino discusses independent contractor (1099) reclassification risk and why all businesses—large and small—are potential targets for IRS audits and penalties.
MyBizOffice offers ‘new independence,’ Part II
Washington Times, July 26, 2004
In the second article in this series, CEO Gene Zaino answers questions for columnist Jay Whitehead about how the ‘new independence’ is as beneficial for organizations as it is for the contractors they engage.
MyBizOffice offers ‘new independence,’ Part I
Washington Times, July 19, 2004
Gene Zaino answers questions for columnist Jay Whitehead about how MyBizOffice has helped usher in a ‘new independence’ for contract workers.
Political Oxymoron Weigh-In
Washington Times, February 26, 2004
Gene Zaino is quoted in this commentary concerning the myth of the "jobless recovery" and how the extensive contract workforce has played a big part in the recent economic upturn.
Save money — send work out
Federal Computer Week, December 1, 2003
FCW highlights President and CEO Gene Zaino in a feature article about how MyBizOffice is helping the U.S. Government increase the efficiency by which it administers its contract workforce.
Finding Independent Work by Finding Yourself
ITContractor Magazine, March, 2003
Gene Zaino helps readers improve their success as independent workers by better understanding their own skills, career goals, and expectations.
Considering Independence? Know Your Options
ITContractor Magazine, January, 2003
Gene Zaino surveys the landscape of options faced by new independent contractors, including working as a 1099, through staffing companies, or through portable employer-of-record services like MyBizOffice.
Going Direct: Why the Time Is Right for an Independent Career
ITContractor Magazine, November, 2002
President and CEO Gene Zaino explains why market forces in a recovering economy can create the ideal environment for launching an independent career.
Going Direct: Direct Engagements: How You Can Take Advantage
ITContractor Magazine, July, 2002
Gene Zaino defines direct engagement between contractors and corporations and explains how individual independents can use this innovation to their financial and career advantage.
Direct Engagement: A Simple Innovation That’s Changing the Face of Contracting
ITContractor Magazine, May, 2002
Gene Zaino introduces the concept of direct contractor engagements and why this method of contracting is mutually beneficial for contractors and their clients.
Knock ‘Em Out! Marketing Yourself: Go on the Offensive
Financial Women Today, Winter, 2002
MyBizOffice Vice President Amy O’Donnell wrote the issue’s cover article, explaining why it’s important for unemployed financial professionals—or even those unhappy in their current positions—should keep marketing themselves aggressively, even in a slumping economy.
HR Takes Charge of Contingent Staffing
Workforce Magazine, March, 2002
Gene Zaino is featured in an article that presents ideas for better enabling Human Resources leaders to take control of their companies’ contingent workforces.
Let HR Do It
Workforce Magazine, March, 2002
Gene Zaino is featured in an article that presents ideas for better enabling Human Resources leaders to take control of their companies’ contingent workforces.
Demand is Back—If You Can Play the Game
ITContractor Magazine, March, 2002
In his continuing series of articles for ITContractor, Gene Zaino describes the revitalized state of the contract industry, but warns that contractors may have to trim their rates to stay competitive.
Doing Your Best
Technology Decisions Magazine, February, 2002
Vice President Amy O’Donnell discusses the merits of outsourcing certain internal functions, particularly in the insurance industry.
IT outsourcing
interfaceNOW, February, 2002
Dave Putt, MyBizOffice Director of Operations, is quoted in this article concerning the reason why Fortune 500 companies are likely to staff their IT departments with over 20% independents.
Infrastructure projects draw IT staff
Electric Light & Power Magazine, January, 2002
Director of Operations, Dave Putt, discusses how the abundance of recent mergers in the Energy Industry has created complex integration projects that are keeping consultants busy.
First Fired, First Hired: The Contractor's Promising History Lesson
ITContractor Magazine, January, 2002
In the first of a series of featured columns for ITContractor, Gene Zaino talks about how independent workers are historically the first people to be re-hired when a stumbling economy begins to rebound.
Tight times require new recruiting tacks
Potomac Tech Journal, January, 2002
a full-length article, MyBizOffice Vice President Amy O'Donnell advises corporate recruiters of how to best take advantage of the economic downturn to increase the efficiency of their recruiting practices.
Jobless in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley Business Ink, January, 2002
MyBizOffice Vice President Amy O'Donnell discusses why the outlook for today's laid-off tech workers is beginning to brighten, and why they should still hold out for the right job.
2002 Will Release Pent-Up Demand
ITContractor Magazine, December, 2001
Director of Operations, Dave Putt, is quoted in article by Tony Bogar. Dave reassures the independent workforce that independents will always have a place in a technology-driven business environment.
Television Interview: CNNfn's The Money Gang
July 2001
Gene Zaino was featured on "The Money Gang" to discuss how MyBizOffice benefits businesses and government agencies as they increase their reliance on contract workers.
Radio Interview: CNET Radio
June 2001
Gene Zaino was interviewed to discuss the news concerning an upcoming visit to MyBizOffice by a delegation of Japanese business leaders.
Radio Interview: Bisnow on Business
June 2001
Gene Zaino was interviewed on the leading business radio program in D.C. on the growing need for companies to integrate independents into their employment models.
Special Event: Advisory Session
June 2001
delegation of Japanese business leaders visited MyBizOffice to discuss innovative ways to handle the workforce challenges presented by the crumbling Japanese lifetime employment model.
An independent workforce: the new alternative
Potomac Tech Journal, May 2001
Gene Zaino is the guest columnist and discusses how the innovative MyBizOffice model enables businesses to reduce costs from their consultant supply chain.
Radio Interview: Bisnow on Business
May 2001
Director of Operations Dave Putt is interviewed about the features of MyBizOffice with the leading Washington, D.C. radio show.
Independents are the ‘hidden job market’
Washington Business Journal, May 2001
Director of Operations Dave Putt's Letter to the Editor showcases the real "hidden job market" and how the growth of independents is fast becoming an integral part of the U.S. economy and workforce.
Tech People
Washington Business Journal, April 2001
Gene Zaino was profiled in Tech People as a leading entrepreneur in his development of MyBizOffice. Zaino's visionary and provocative insights on the "legitimacy" of independents and the value they serve in corporations was the subject of this interview in the weekly column.
Television Interview: TechTV Cable Network
April 2001
Dave Putt discussed recent corporate layoffs, the features of MyBizOffice, transitioning from employee to contractor, and how best to market your skills in today's climate of downsizing.
Radio Interview: CNET Radio
February 2001
Dave Putt addressed the growing trend of the independent workforce and the features of MyBizOffice.
Television Interview: News Channel 8 Washington, D.C.
February 2001
Zaino discussed MyBizOffice with the D.C. area tech community, covering the advantages of working as a consultant and how MyBizOffice can provide benefits for independent professionals.
Radio Interview: The Jim Bohannon Show, CBS Radio
February 2001
Gene Zaino joined Jim for the full hour on the topic of MyBizOffice. Gene responded to listeners across the country and answered questions about corporate layoffs and how to transition to contractor/independent status.
Slowdown hasn't dulled demand for temp workers
USA Today, February 2001
USA Today features MyBizOffice Associate Dianna Moses in an article about the growing independent workforce.
