Common forms of maliciously-coded websites are sites that appear to allow you to make donations to victims of natural disasters. You will find a sign-in page and then be asked to enter in your credit card number and other personal information.

To combat maliciously-coded websites, you should only purchase items from security certified sites and use PayPal instead of a credit card. Maliciously-coded websites typically do not accept PayPal payments since they are easier to trace than typical credit card payments.

An independent contractor is particularly useful when you need a specific skill or technical knowledge for a special project that’s expected to last a relatively short length of time. Independent contractors work for themselves — they are treated as if they are running their own business.

Thus, you are not the employer of an independent contractor. Because of this you will not have to pay their income, social security, and Medicare taxes and they are typically not protected by worker’s compensation. Independent contractors are usually paid based on their results rather than by a standard time clock.

The IRS has a 20-factor test that it uses to determine whether an employee is an independent contractor or an employee. Generally speaking, if the worker would be considered an employee under at least 10 of the factors, you should treat him or her as an employee.

If in doubt, look at IRS Form SS-8 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss8.pdf), which is the form used by the IRS to determine individual status for purposes of income and employment taxes.

‘Poolside E-Commerce’ is exactly that; running an online business while relaxing next to a swimming pool (or wherever you like). Can you image a better feeling – only having to pick up your smart phone or laptop to occasionally check your accounts or systems to make sure the cash is still flowing into your tax-free, offshore bank account while you sip your cocktail, share a joke with your friends or relax and soak up the sun?

Thousands of people are now running online businesses from a smart phone next to a pool or from a laptop on a beach or yacht. Why not you too?