HR Resource Library
Free HR & Staffing Guides for California Businesses
Practical, sourced guides on worker classification, compliance, and staffing — written for business owners, not lawyers. New topics are added regularly.
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Worker Classification
W-2 vs. 1099 rules, California's ABC test, and what misclassification actually costs.
Start Here
W-2 vs. 1099 in California: How Do You Know Which One Applies?
California's ABC test overrides the federal classification rule for state law purposes — here's what determines W-2 vs. 1099 status.
What Are the Penalties for Misclassifying a Worker in California?
Four separate layers of exposure — federal, state payroll tax, civil penalties, and lawsuit risk — and how they stack.
The Playbook
How Do You Legally Hire a 1099 Independent Contractor in California?
You can use a 1099 in California — if the relationship passes the ABC test or fits an exemption. Here's how to do it legally, including the business-to-business rule.