Join Enzo Garza and Dan Evanoff for a deep dive into one of the most common (and costly) mistakes businesses make: worker misclassification.

In this episode, they tackle the murky waters of determining whether someone is truly an independent contractor or should be a W-2 employee. Dan reveals that he spots red flags in contractor payments "99.99% of the time," and the duo breaks down why this matters more than most business owners realize.

What you'll learn:

• The three key tests for determining worker classification
• Why "they want to be a contractor" won't protect you in an audit
• Hidden risks beyond payroll taxes (workers' comp, sales tax nexus, and more)
• Real-world red flags that scream misclassification
• Practical solutions when you discover you've been doing it wrong
• How different states approach classification (spoiler: California is strict)

From payment structures to project scopes, from handbooks to insurance requirements, Enzo and Dan cover everything you need to know to stay compliant. They even share a wild story about gift card fraud that led to firing a client!

Whether you're a small business owner, HR professional, or accounting pro, this episode provides actionable insights to help you avoid expensive penalties and protect your business. Plus, you'll finally understand why having contractors sign your employee handbook is a terrible idea.

Join Enzo, founder of Accounting Prose, and Dan, Head of HR, for an eye-opening discussion about the hidden costs and risks of handling HR yourself as a small business owner. In this candid conversation, they explore why even businesses with just a few employees need to think strategically about HR compliance and people management.

Topics
- The most common (and costly) HR mistake: worker misclassification and how it can trigger devastating audits
- Why HR is a "profit protector" rather than a cost center
- The real tipping point for when DIY HR becomes dangerous (hint: it's sooner than you think)
- Critical compliance issues that vary by state and can result in major penalties
- How poor HR practices lead to talent loss and derail business growth

Read the companion blog here

Join Enzo from Accounting Prose and HR expert Dan Evanoff as they dive deep into a shocking real-world case of AI-powered hiring fraud that nearly cost one company thousands of dollars and potentially exposed them to serious security risks.

In this eye-opening episode, you'll discover how sophisticated scammers are using deepfake technology, forged documents, and fake identities to infiltrate the hiring process—and why small businesses are increasingly becoming their preferred targets. Enzo and Dan break down the red flags every business owner should watch for, from suspicious interview behavior to equipment shipping requests that don't add up.

What You'll Learn:
- The anatomy of a modern hiring scam and how close one company came to disaster
- Why traditional background checks aren't enough anymore
- Practical, actionable steps to protect your business during remote hiring
- The legal and compliance considerations you need to know
- How to balance security with efficiency in your hiring process

Whether you're hiring your first remote employee or your fiftieth, this episode provides essential insights for protecting your business in an era where "trust but verify" has never been more critical. Plus, hear some entertaining (and cautionary) tales from the trenches of remote hiring gone wrong.

Perfect for: Small business owners, HR professionals, and anyone involved in hiring decisions who wants to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics.

Got your own hiring horror story or security tip? We'd love to hear from you—drop us a comment and help fellow business owners stay protected.

Read the companion blog here