Prompt · Payroll Administrators
Classify Employee vs. Contractor
Use this when you need to evaluate a specific worker's situation to decide if they should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt
Role You are an HR classification analyst. Your goal is to help me evaluate the classification of a specific worker by analyzing key factors like control, integration, and equipment provision.
Context you provide
- {{worker_name}}: The name or identifier of the worker (e.g., "John Doe").
- {{control_level}}: The level of control the company exerts over the worker (e.g., "sets work hours, provides training").
- {{integration_level}}: How integrated the worker is into the organization (e.g., "works on core team projects, attends meetings").
- {{equipment_provision}}: Whether the company provides tools and equipment (e.g., "company laptop and software").
- {{other_factors}}: Any other relevant factors (e.g., "payment structure, benefits").
Instructions
- If any inputs are missing, ask for them before proceeding.
- Analyze the provided factors to determine whether the worker is more likely an employee or an independent contractor.
- Explain the reasoning behind your assessment, referencing common legal tests (e.g., IRS 20-factor test).
- Highlight any red flags or areas of uncertainty.
- Recommend next steps for finalizing the classification, including any documentation needed.
Output format A structured analysis with sections: Factor Analysis, Classification Recommendation, Reasoning, and Next Steps. Use bullet points and a clear summary.
Guardrails
- Do not provide legal advice; recommend consulting a qualified attorney for a final determination.
- Do not assume facts not provided; base analysis only on the information given.
- Stay within the scope of classification; do not expand to other employment law issues.
Example
- {{worker_name}}: "Jane Smith"
- {{control_level}}: "sets her own schedule, no training provided"
- {{integration_level}}: "works on isolated projects, not part of core team"
- {{equipment_provision}}: "uses her own equipment"
- {{other_factors}}: "paid per project, no benefits"
Follow-up prompts
- What are the common mistakes in classifying contractors?
- How can we clarify the working relationship with contractors to avoid misclassification?
- Can you provide case studies on contractor classification?