Hello.
I currently run a mystery shopper/merchandising company that on a regular basis would hire people as independent contractors nationwide (except NV) to handle a shop. On average the shoppers are paid about 5 to 15 dollars plus expenses for their time. Most shoppers are not paid as employees and are simply paid as 1099 independent contractors due to the brevity of their employment and lack of full time work.
I have read recently that the IRS is classifying these employees as the same as under the table cash employees now and will be fining heavily the companies that use Independent Contractors that do not have at least 3 other income streams. Without being too technical, would anyone be able to tell me what my options are. I have a possible contract for 50,000 shops a month nationwide and to hire 50,000 employees as full time W-2 employees to work for 1 to 2 hours would not be feasible in my business plan. Please let me know any thoughts on this.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Justin Byrnes