Should a model sign a 1099

[aalleexx]

I am shooting a spot for a restaurant they want me to use a model that I found, she is only going paid less than 100 bucks about 30 minutes of work, but the restaurant wants me to bill them directly with the charges for the model on my invoice, I understand the 1099 form and it only applies to workers that ear more than 600 bucks, since she is not earning that how should I hande this?

Thanks

 

[robstar1]

You should always have EVERY vendor fill out a W9. The W9 is required always; it's only when the payments to the vendor hit $600 are you required to complete and submit the IRS Form 1099 which reports the income.

Here's what we have all vendors fill out to start:
IRS W9
Vendor Information Worksheet along with a copy of their ID
Independent Contractors Agreement
Confidentiality Agreement
Deal Memo or Contract stating the dates, rates and terms
Model Release (in the case of Talent)
Provide an invoice for their work

I learned long ago that we are better off having all the above information on file than trying to track it down later. Inevitably we'd use someone for just one small job and then pick them up for something else during the year. Now, we get this info before the day starts and it is not unreasonable to ask a new vendor to come in a few minutes early to take care of their paperwork or to send it in advance and ask them to bring it. If you don't have a copier on-set to copy the ID just use your phone or camera to take a digital picture and print that out later.

If you're paying by payroll or using a payroll company or hiring someone as a temp / part-time / full-timer you'll also need to get an I9 form completed for Immigrations / citizenship status.

Paperwork is a pain in the butt and easy to blow off. Most of it you'll never even look at again; it is all about that one day for whatever reason you need that piece of paper to validate or protect your business.

It's your job to manage and protect your business against all risk.

Robert