Independent Contractor

There is no set definition of this term. Labor law enforcement agencies and the courts look at several factors when deciding if someone is an employee or an independent contractor. Some employers misclassify employees as an independent contractor to avoid workers' compensation and other payroll responsibilities. Just because an employer says you are an independent contractor and doesn't need to cover you under a workers' compensation policy doesn't make it true. A true independent contractor has control over how their work is done. You probably are not an independent contractor when the person paying you:

Controls the details or manner of your work
Has the right to terminate you
Pays you an hourly wage or salary
Supplies materials or tools
Requires you to work specific days or hours
Makes deductions for unemployment or Social Security