Independent Contractor Definition

Businesses may hire qualified persons called ‘independent contractors’ to perform certain services. They are non-employees and paid differently than employees.

Independent Contractor Extended Definition 

Business owners must accurately determine if the individuals providing services are independent contractors or employees. An independent contractor is someone who has their own business but performs services for another business.

Business owners pay non-employee independent contractors differently than their employees. Generally, employers are required to withhold and pay Medicare and Social Security taxes, withhold income taxes, and pay unemployment taxes on employee wages. In the case of independent contractors, businesses do not have to pay or withhold any taxes on payments.

To understand more about independent contractors, common law rules, and employee misclassification, please refer to the IRS page.

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Last Updated By

Rachel Blakely-Gray | Apr 12, 2023