Crucial Insight on Maryland’s Wage Payment Law

Maryland employees may be unaware of their rights regarding paid wages from their employers.

Employee vs. Independent Contractor

Maryland’s wage payment laws only apply to employees and not to independent contractors.  Whether or not an employer-employee relationship exists depends on a number of factors, such as whether the person for whom services are performed has the right to control and direct the worker regarding what is to be done and how it is to be accomplished.  On the other hand, contractors are generally in business for themselves, and an independent contractor’s business is separate from the business of the person for whom work is completed.

Wages

Many employees are unaware of their legal right to promised commissions and bonuses. Notably, instate wage laws defines, “wages” broadly to includes salaries, bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits or any other compensation for services.