- 8 - Ewens & Miller, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra at 270; Weber v. Commissioner, supra at 387. Because we decide this case on the preponderance of the evidence, we need not discuss the burden of proof. 1. Degree of Control The control factor is the “crucial test” to determine the nature of a working relationship. Weber v. Commissioner, supra at 387. The degree of control necessary to find employee status varies with the nature of the services provided by the worker. See Ewens & Miller, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra at 270; Weber v. Commissioner, supra at 388. To retain the requisite control over the details of an individual’s work, the employer need not stand over the individual and direct every move made by the individual; it is sufficient if the employer has the right to do so. Weber v. Commissioner, supra at 388. Similarly, the employer need not set the employee’s hours or supervise every detail of the work environment to control the employee. Gen. Inv. Corp. v. United States, 823 F.2d 337, 342 (9th Cir. 1987). Workers who set their own hours are not necessarily independent contractors. Id.; Ewens & Miller, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra at 270. Petitioner argues that “Smith and Mawson were subject to control and direction of petitioner merely as to the result to be accomplished by the work and not as to the means and methods to accomplish the result”. Petitioner relies on Rev. Rul. 57-109,Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
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