Thera Blog

Thera's ecosystem of apps helps Oceans move faster, hire compliantly, and venture into new markets confidently.

Learn about documentation requirements and best practices for ending contractor relationships. Avoid costly claims, protect your business reputation, and handle difficult conversations professionally while maintaining compliance.

Hiring independent contractors can be a game-changer for your growing business, offering flexibility and access to specialized talent without the overhead of full-time employees. But managing the paperwork and compliance requirements can be daunting. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what paperwork you need to handle when bringing independent contractors on board in the United States.

Learn how zero-hour contracts work for startups and agencies. Discover benefits, compliance tips, and best practices for managing flexible workforce in 2024.

As a business owner or HR manager, you've probably found yourself caught between wanting to provide comprehensive benefits and worrying about the costs and complexities involved. Maybe you're losing great talent to competitors who offer better perks, or perhaps you're simply trying to do right by your team.

For any company, payroll isn't just a task—it's a critical function that keeps the business running smoothly. Whether it's bi-weekly or even weekly, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time is non-negotiable. That's why it's important that you compare the popular payroll and HR solutions available in the market, and find the best one for your business.

In this article, we'll dive into how this solution is changing the game for businesses of all sizes, freeing up time, reducing headaches, and even helping companies expand globally with ease.

The line between contractor and employee isn't just legal jargon—it's a critical distinction that can make or break your financial future. From tech startups to local shops, misclassification has sparked lawsuits, bankruptcies, and major policy debates.

For many businesses payroll is a recurring headache that steals precious time and energy. Businesses that dread payroll the most are the ones with remote employees, contractors, etc. along with full-time team members.

Hiring people from other countries can be tough for small businesses and startups. There's a lot to think about - different laws, payroll rules, and benefits in each country. That's where Employer of Record (EOR) services come in handy. They help you hire people anywhere without setting up your own office in each country.

As your business evolves, so should your payroll solution. Maybe you started with a simple spreadsheet, graduated to a basic online tool, and now you're wondering if there's something better out there.

In today's competitive landscape, being able to hire the best talent quickly and easily, regardless of location, can give your startup a significant edge. But this brings a significant challenge: how to compensate remote employees and international hires, without breaking any laws or disappointing your remote employees. In this blog, we’ll explore the critical factors influencing remote employee compensation, from cost of living and local market rates to working hours and payroll tax complexities.

Find a contractor management tool that suits your needs and stop wasting time on tasks that can be automated

Protect your business as you tap into worldwide talent pools.

Discover how automated payroll systems slash costs, eliminate errors, and free up valuable time.

You can pay your contractors in many ways but not all are fast, affordable, and reliable. Find out all about them and choose the best one.

Hiring independent contractors involves less paperwork than bringing on full-time employees, but the few documents you do need are essential. These papers form the basis of your working relationship and help ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Tap into the UK's international pool without incorporating a company and still staying compliant with local laws.

Learn the key differences between gross pay and net pay and accurately calculate employee compensation across multiple countries.

8 steps of payroll management that are crucial to avoid any legal hassle, and pay your employees on time.

Discover 4 tips to reduce payroll tax compliance risks when managing multi-country payroll.

Implement these 5 global payroll best practices to streamline processes, ensure compliance, and create a positive experience for your international workforce.

Working with independent contractors can offer flexibility and cost savings, but it's crucial to understand the unique aspects of managing and paying them. In this blog post, we'll dive into what is a 1099 employee (aka independent contractor), and how to handle their payment, tax reporting, and avoid compliance risks.

Avoid the hassle of legal, and financial risk by knowing about the key characteristics, legal tests, and factors to correctly classify your workers.

Find out the key features, pros & cons, and pricing information on top 10 global payroll providers suited for emerging businesses

As an employer, hiring independent contractors abroad can come with a variety of challenges, including navigating different tax laws and regulations. One important aspect of this is understanding the Foreign Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Workers' compensation is an important part of workplace safety in Canada. As an employer, it's essential to understand workers' compensation laws and regulations to protect your employees and your business. In this post, we'll provide you with a guide to workers' compensation in Canada.

Worker classifications are terms that designate the status of someone’s relationship with your company.

We break down the differences between fully remote vs. hybrid––and explain why some companies might have to pick a lane.

Are you considering using a wire transfer to pay your independent contractors, but feeling unsure of where to start? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make a successful wire transfer.

Navigating the world of tax can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with unfamiliar terms like withholding agents and tax agents. In this post, we'll break down these two critical tax roles and explain their differences, helping you better understand tax compliance, whether you're a small business owner or an international contractor.

Asynchronous communication is essential for remote teams. Give your team the lifestyle & flexibility benefits of remote work.

Young millennials and Gen Z-ers want to work in organizations that value them as individuals, not just cogs in the machine. Here’s why the in-office 9-5 is outdated—and why remote work is best for the next generation of workers, plus employers.

Everyone on the Thera team works remote. One by one, we’re sharing our stories with unique perspectives on remote work. Below, you’ll read a story from Carter––our writer––about his story and the most important things he’s learned about remote work.

We define workers’ compensation, how it works, what it covers, & how to file a claim.

In our increasingly globalized workforce, international contractors and businesses must tackle a complex array of tax laws and reporting requirements. One critical obligation is the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In this post, we'll demystify the CRS and discuss its impact on international contractors.

As an international contractor, understanding the intricacies of reverse charge VAT is crucial for ensuring compliance with tax laws and avoiding potential fines or penalties. In this guide, we'll explore what reverse charge VAT is, how it works, and what it means for international contractors.

You may be aware of the benefits of hiring independent contractors, both domestically and internationally. However, it's important to consider the tax implications of hiring contractors and how this may impact your business. One key concept to consider is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction.

Ever feel like you're drowning in HR paperwork, spending countless hours on administrative tasks, and not focusing on what really matters—growing your business? If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider outsourcing your HR functions.

You need to file Form 940 to receive the tax credit. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re maximizing your tax savings. We break it down for you here.

Form W-9 is a critical IRS form that provides information needed to send back a 1099. Learn more about Form W-9 with Thera.

As an employer looking to hire abroad, it's important to understand Form 673. In this blog post, you’ll learn what it is and how to use it (and why your team members might care).

The EFTPS is an online tool for paying federal taxes. For most businesses and individuals in the US, the EFTPS is the best way to pay taxes.

If you’re a foreigner working out of Spain, you might have come across the term "Beckham's Law." But what exactly is Beckham's Law, and how does it impact the hiring process in Spain?

You hear a lot about independent contractors. These days, with remote work & freelancing so popular, it’s an increasingly-common way for talented people to work. But what is an independent contractor, exactly? And what’s the benefit of hiring someone as a contractor instead of an employee?

Invoicing is an essential part of doing business. An invoice is a formal request for payment, and it's important to understand the basics of invoicing, especially if you're working with clients abroad. In this blog post, we'll explore what an invoice is and why it's so important for businesses of all sizes.

If you hire people outside of the United States, you’ll need to get acquainted with the W-BEN form? But what is it, and why does it matter? Read on to learn everything employers need to know about the W-8BEN.

If you’re paying people outside of the United States, you’ve probably heard of an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). In this blog post, we'll explore what an IBAN number is, the benefits and considerations for employers, and provide specific examples and relevant compliance considerations.

Tired of drowning in a sea of paperwork and spreadsheets every time you need to manage your employees' data or run an HR process? HRIS systems are built to help you take some of this work off your hands.

What is an exempt employee, how to know if you have one, exempt employee categories, and what to do. We cover it all here.

An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your company for tax purposes. Learn more about it with our new guide post.

Hiring remote? Working remotely? Either way, you’ll want to get acquainted with work-from-home-stipends. They’re additional payments (usually monthly) offered to employees or contractors to help them get work more effectively remotely.

Are you a business owner or manager wondering what in the world "accrued payroll" means? You're not alone. In this post, we'll break down what accrued payroll is, why it's important, and how to calculate it.

Hiring contractors? You’re going to need to ask them for a W-9. This article explains why, plus everything else you could possibly need to know about W-9 forms.

As an employer looking to expand your business overseas, you may be considering hiring independent contractors or W2 employees. Understanding the differences between these two types of workers is critical to making the right hiring decision, as well as ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In this blog post, we'll dive into what a W2 employee is, how it differs from an independent contractor, and the key considerations you should keep in mind when making your hiring decisions.

If you hire employees, you’ll want to get acquainted with the W-2 Form. What is it, and when should you use it? You’ll get the answers to both those questions below.

Form W-4 is required to tell your employer how much federal income tax to withhold in the U.S. Learn how to fill out your Form W-4 & more.

It’s a taxpayer identification number. That’s the answer. Now, if you’re here to learn about what that actually means, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn everything you could possibly want to know about TINs.

If you’ve ever thought about hiring outside of your home country, you’ve likely heard of a PEO. Which raises a whole new set of questions. In this short article, you’ll learn what a PEO is—and whether or not you need one to make international hires.

If you’re a contractor and want to hire a contractor to work for you (a little contractor-ception, if you will), you’ll want to have a subcontractor agreement. Below, we’ll tell you why—and give you a simple checklist for writing your own.

As an employer, you have likely heard the term "FTE" thrown around, but what exactly does it mean? FTE stands for "Full-Time Equivalent" and refers to a standard measure of a full-time employee's workload. It is used to calculate the number of full-time employees a company has on its payroll, regardless of the number of actual employees or the number of hours they work.

A statutory employee is an independent contractor who’s treated as an employee for tax purposes.

As an independent contractor, you have the freedom to choose how you want to structure your business. While there are several options to choose from, the sole proprietorship is one of the most common and simplest structures.

So you’re figuring out how to pay your team, and you’re learning you need pay stubs. But what are they, exactly? If you’re wondering, you’re not alone. Below, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about pay stubs—and why your team needs them.

An MT103 is a standardized receipt the SWIFT payment message uses to identify cross-border payments in the form of international wires.

What’s a contractor business license? And do I need one? Good questions. You’ll get your answers in this piece, where we’ll cover the ins and outs of contractor business licenses.

A foreign tax exemption is what you’ll use if you make foreign income, or reside in a foreign country, and want to be exempt from tax in your home country. With foreign tax exemptions, you’re typically only taxed on foreign income in the country you earned it. This helps you avoid double taxation.

As you expand your business across borders, you'll inevitably encounter new banking terminologies. One such term you're likely to come across is the BIC code, a crucial component for making international payments. If you're wondering what a BIC code is and how to find it, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll demystify the concept and guide you through the process of finding a BIC code.

So you want to hire abroad. You’ve done some research. You’re ready to go: but you keep hearing that you need a foreign subsidiary to hire teammates in other countries. Is that true? What even is a foreign subsidiary? We’ll answer your questions below. And, we’ll explain why you might not need a foreign subsidiary at all.

So you’ve heard you might need a Data Processing Agreement (DPA).

Are you considering hiring a global contractor but worried about protecting your business's confidential information? Look no further! A confidentiality agreement is a straightforward and essential tool for ensuring that your sensitive information remains safe and secure. Below, you’ll learn how to create your own confidentiality agreement in six easy steps.

As an employer, you may be faced with the decision of whether to hire a full-time employee or an independent contractor. Understanding the requirements for issuing the 1099-NEC, also known as the "1099-Miscellaneous Income" form, is an important part of this decision-making process. In this blog post, we'll explore when to issue the 1099-NEC to independent contractors abroad and when it may not be necessary.

You’ve probably heard of the 1099-MISC form. But what is it, and when do you need to use it? Those are the questions we’ll answer below.

Over 60 countries hold active tax treaties with the US. Tax treaties help set clear guidelines for international income and avoid double taxation.

A 1099 form is an essential tax record that reports a taxpayer’s non-employment income. See how the 1099 works and why you need to know about it.

Do you hire contractors? Do you find lots of that contracting talent on freelancing platforms, like UpWork or Fiverr? Cool. Then you’re in the right place.

The Intermediaries Legislation, or IR35 as it is commonly known, is a piece of legislation in the U.K. that aims to tackle what HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) consider to be 'disguised employment'. This occurs when a worker provides their services through an intermediary, such as a limited company, but would be classed as an employee if this intermediary was not used.

Navigating international tax laws can be complex, and two crucial concepts that often arise are permanent establishment and tax residency. While they may appear similar, these terms have unique meanings and implications for businesses. This blog post will clarify the difference between permanent establishment and tax residency and their importance for your business.

EORs don't have legal entities in all countries and that's where these operating models help. Learn and find out which one would suit you.

Transfer pricing is a critical concept for multinational businesses and international contractors. Essentially, transfer pricing concerns the prices charged for goods, services, or intellectual property (IP) between related entities within an enterprise, such as between a parent company and its subsidiaries. While this might appear simple, it can become complex when transactions span international borders and involve various tax jurisdictions. This is where the arm's length principle comes into play—a cornerstone of transfer pricing rules used by numerous countries and integral to understanding international taxation.

The Intermediaries Legislation, or IR35 as it is commonly known, is a piece of legislation in the U.K. that aims to tackle what HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) consider to be 'disguised employment'. This occurs when a worker provides their services through an intermediary, such as a limited company, but would be classed as an employee if this intermediary was not used.

Are you considering hiring remote workers from abroad? The idea can be exciting and, in many cases, can open up a world of possibilities for your business. But it can also feel like uncharted territory, with so many variables to consider. One of these variables is labor laws. In this post, we'll delve into the top 10 countries that have the most flexible labor laws for remote work.

Thera is built for companies and people who would rather work anywhere with the best talent. Here’s why.

Hiring is hard, especially in a hybrid work world. Our Remote Work Playbook will help you build a better, more effective remote team. Download here.

What influences the cost of replacing an employee? We break down the real costs of losing an employee.

Thera used to offer Employer-of-Record services. But we quickly realized that it’s just not realistic for most companies. It’s expensive, slow, and frustrating. So we’ve built a contractor management solution that makes global hiring easy, finally. You can hire people with locally-compliant contracts, pay your whole team with a click, and bypass the lengthy EOR process when you find great talent abroad.

As your business explores new markets and seeks talent from around the globe, you may find yourself navigating the complex labyrinth of international employment laws and regulations. This is where a Global Employment Organization (GEO) steps in. In this post, we'll delve into the role of a GEO in international contracting, illustrating its functions with practical examples.

Remote work, for most people, is about freedom. The biggest catalyst for that freedom is the choice to live wherever you want. Here’s why you might be missing the biggest benefits of location independence.

Everyone on the Thera team works remote. One by one, we’re sharing our stories with unique perspectives on remote work. Below, you’ll read a story from Dreya––our Head of Marketing––about her story and her recipe for creating a successful remote culture.

The Contract Labour Regulation and Abolition Act is an important piece of legislation in India that regulates the employment of contract labor. As an employer, it's essential to understand this act's provisions and comply with them to avoid legal and financial consequences. In this post, we'll provide you with a guide to the Contract Labour Regulation and Abolition Act in India.

As your business explores new markets and seeks talent from around the globe, you may find yourself navigating the complex labyrinth of international employment laws and regulations. This is where a Global Employment Organization (GEO) steps in. In this post, we'll delve into the role of a GEO in international contracting, illustrating its functions with practical examples.

Preparing your taxes as a contractor can be a complex and confusing process, especially when you're working in a foreign country. With so many different regulations and compliance considerations to keep in mind, it's easy to miss something important. That's why we've put together this comprehensive international contractor tax checklist to help you navigate the process and ensure that you're ready come tax time.

If you're an employer or employee in Canada, you may have heard of a T4A form. A T4A form is a tax slip that reports income from sources other than employment, such as pension, self-employment, or investment income. In this post, we'll provide you with a guide to T4A forms in Canada.

Are you an independent contractor looking to maximize your tax savings?

Tap into Canada's growing talent pool while avoiding the lengthy procedures surrounding company incorporation.

We’re going over four global HR strategy best practices that will help you prevent all of these potential struggles of a global workforce.

Stripe’s how you make a large portion of your payments on the internet. So you might be wondering: Can I use Stripe to pay my independent contractors? The answer is that, while you can, there are better ways to go about it—that’ll incur you fewer processing fees and let you run payroll in a click. We’ll go over Stripe, and its better alternatives, below.

SSNs and ITINs both serve as taxpayer ID numbers. So, what exactly is the difference between the two? Learn more with Thera.

Are you looking to register as a sole trader in Portugal? In this post, we'll provide a guide to registering as a sole trader in Portugal and cover the essential information you need to know.

Are you looking to send money to the Philippines? In this post, we'll provide a guide to sending money to the Philippines and cover all your potential options.

Are you looking to register a sole proprietorship in Japan? In this post, we'll provide a guide to registering a sole proprietorship in Japan and cover the essential information you need to know.