Contractor FAQs

What you need to know about working for Collaborative.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Earnings

How often do I get paid?

Contractors are paid on a weekly basis. You will be paid each Friday.

If I started working at the beginning of the pay period, when will I receive my first paycheck?

You will receive your first paycheck on the Friday following the week you start.

Is direct deposit available?

Yes.

Setting up direct deposit is strongly recommended. Collaborative is located in Maryland, but our employees/contractors are nationwide. While we mail checks out 1-2 business days before the pay date, we cannot guarantee a physical paycheck will reach you by that day. However, if you choose direct deposit, you will receive your wages each Friday.

Once I provide the direct deposit information to Collaborative, when will it take effect?

Direct deposit takes one pay period to go through.

The first paycheck from Collaborative is usually a physical check and mailed through the post office 1-2 business days prior to the pay date. Further paychecks will be deposited directly into your account.

When should I submit my timesheets each week?

You should submit your timesheets to all required time reporting systems by Monday at noon, at the latest, for the previous week.

Taxes

Does Collaborative deduct federal taxes from my paycheck?

Yes.

If you are a W-2 employee, Collaborative will deduct federal taxes from your paycheck. The amount of federal tax withheld is calculated using a varying percentage rate. This percentage is determined by the amount of gross income you earn. A higher income level will fall within a range with a higher percentage withheld. Please keep in mind, though, that other factors such as personal allowances and marital status will also play a role in determining the percentage withheld.

For more information about federal taxes, visit www.irs.gov and see publication 15-A.

How does being paid an hourly rate affect my taxes?

Being paid an hourly rate means that the actual percentage of income withheld may vary from check to check. If you work the same hours every pay period, you will probably not experience any change in the percentage taken out of your paycheck. However, if you work a lot of overtime, your gross income will be higher and may move into an income range taxed at a higher rate.

Since Collaborative is located in Maryland, will Maryland state income taxes will be deducted from my paycheck?

No.

If you are a W-2 employee, Collaborative will deduct state income tax based on where you live. So, if you are a contractor living in Virginia, Virginia state income taxes will be deducted.

Both Social Security and Medicare deduct a standard percentage from your paycheck.

Social Security withholds 6.2% of your gross income. Medicare withholds 1.45% of your gross income. Together, these make up your FICA withholdings.

On-Site

If I need to take time off or can’t come in, who do I contact?

Your manager.

You should always get approval for any time off from your manager. Because they are your direct supervisor, your manager is the one who makes the final decision about letting you have off. If you have an emergency or need to call in sick, you should contact your manager directly, so they know not to expect you.

You can also contact Collaborative if you want to. Some contractors are more comfortable knowing that an official notification has been given, but this is only to be used as additional insurance. You must contact your manager as well.

Can I work overtime?

The rules for working overtime and overtime pay vary based on the client. Once you have established who your contract is with and where it is located, please contact Collaborative directly. At that point, we will be able to give you the information you need.

Miscellaneous

Who is my employer?

Collaborative.

Collaborative directly employs you, and we contract you out to our client. Because Collaborative is your employer, we take care of most aspects of your employment, such as pay and payroll issues, problem resolution, and answering general questions. However, since your actual work location is on-site with our client, any issues directly related to the job, such as taking time off and job-function-related questions, are best handled by your manager. If you are unsure who to contact about something, please contact Collaborative.

Does Collaborative offer health coverage to their contractors?

Yes.

Collaborative offers limited benefit medical insurance. The information is provided at the time of hire along with tax forms and other employment documents via email.

Becoming A Collaborative Contractor

The process for joining the Collaborative contractor team couldn’t be easier!

View Current Opportunities on our career site.
Apply online or send us your resume.
Complete a preliminary phone screening.
Interview with a recruiter (typically by video).
Meet with the employer (we set up the interview).
(Hopefully) get the offer.

If you don’t receive an employer offer, you will get feedback you can use when you interview for the next job.