I can't think of the form but there is a form that businesses use to have independent contractors and business that do work with to to fill out. It gives their legal name, contact person, full legal mailing address and either a tax ID number or a social security number
Sorry I can't think of the name of the form, perhaps one of you can answer what it is.
It is very similar to a W4 you have employees fill out.
But any business doing work with someone should get this filled out so there is no problem knowing first you are working with a legit business but also so you have all the information needed to properly send out your 1099 latter.
Also if you are hiring independent contractors or business consider if they have workers comp on their people and liablity insurance. If one of their employees gets hurt on your job site, you may find yourself liable.
Always get them to provide you proof of insurance on their autos if hauling or involved in the work, workers comp insurance if they hire people, and general liablity insurance if possible. Example, my son hired some independent contractors ( sub contract) on a new house they were building.
He builds houses for a general contractor ( so he is a sub contractor, who hires sub contractors) One of these sub contractors was doing some ceiling work, they hit a pipe in the ceiling and it leaked water all over the ceiling, new carpet and leaked down though that floor and next ceiling and into the carpet under it. Two complete ceilings, and two new carpets all had to be paid for. The contractor did not have any insurance, would not pay and walked off the job, still billing for the work he had done.
So while he was libel to my son for the damages, my son was still liable to the general contractor and had to fix all of the damage. My son of course would sue the sub contractor who has no money, he wins but can't collect any money and is just out his money for this.
And this is not uncommom, just a word of advice.
If anyone knows the form I am talking about they may add it and help everyone with some general info on hiring contractors
