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What is the Difference Between a Contractor and a Subcontractor

Mar 24, 2023
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As businesses grow, you often need more people to help you to keep delivering your projects and your customers. You can employ more people as full-time employees (FTEs) or engage people or a third company via a contractor relationship, to deliver the services or goods you require.

In Australia, a contractor is a person or business that provides services to another person or company under a contract for services. A subcontractor, on the other hand, is a person or company that is engaged by a contractor to perform part of the services that the contractor has been engaged to provide. The contractor may be called a Head Contractor and manage the relationship with the client and engage and manage any subcontractors.

The main difference between a contractor and a subcontractor is their relationship with the client.

A contractor is engaged directly by the client to provide services, while the contractor engages a subcontractor to provide specific parts of the overall project.

In terms of legal and tax obligations, contractors and subcontractors are generally treated differently. Contractors are usually required to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and to pay their own taxes and superannuation. They are also responsible for obtaining their own insurance and meeting any licensing and regulatory requirements.

Subcontractors, on the other hand, are usually engaged as independent contractors and are responsible for their own tax and superannuation payments. However, they may be covered by the contractor's insurance policies and need to comply with any licensing and regulatory requirements that apply to their work. This coverage by a contractor's insurance may not always be the case for a sub-contractor and so any subcontractors will need to ensure that they have the appropriate insurance required to undertake their work.

Large projects, like a building project, may involve many different sub-contractors that may operate either individually or as part of a company that has been subcontracted to deliver a portion of the project.

It's important to note that the distinction between a contractor and a subcontractor can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of the engagement. If you are unsure about your obligations as a contractor or subcontractor, it's a good idea to seek advice from a legal, tax and insurance professional.

Subcontractors Subcontractor Management

General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

All information above has been provided by the author.

ADVISR, ABN 17 613 588 266