When is an independent contractor really my employee?

UPDATED: Jul 18, 2023Fact Checked

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Jeffrey Johnson

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Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

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UPDATED: Jul 18, 2023

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UPDATED: Jul 18, 2023Fact Checked

Ask yourself: “Can I really say this worker operates their own business separate and distinct from mine?” If your gut answer to that question is “No,” you probably have an employee, not an independent contractor.

But you don’t just h ave your gut to guide you. Determining employee versus independent contractor status is a fact intensive inquiry, so look at the facts of your case. The most important factor is whether the hiring party has the right to control the manner and means by which the work is accomplished. However, there are other considerations that come into play, such as : (1) skill set required; (2) source of instruments and tools; (3) location of the work; (4) duration of the work relationship; and (5) whether the work is part of the hiring party’s regular business.

The more factors you have that wiegh in favor one way or the other, the mor elikely it is that a court would decide that your hired party has that status. Many states, such as California, apply a similar test. Note: the fact that you have a written independent contractor agreement with your hired part is not conclusive either. Just because your written agreement says, “The parties agree their legal relationship is one of ‘independent contractors,’ and not ‘employer-employee,’” isn’t sufficient as far as the federal or state authorities are concerned. (Read an informative article on How Employee Policies and Contractor Agreements Protect Your Business)

Also be aware that, just because one administrative body agrees with your analysis, does not mean another will. The test is different whether you are talking to the federal Department of Labor, IRS or EEOC, or your friendly neighborhood state watch dog authority such as the labor commissioner, taxing authorities, anti-discrimination agency, or workers’ compensation board. Click here for an article on the criteria the courts use in deciding the difference.

Case Studies: Understanding the Distinction Between Independent Contractors and Employees

Case Study 1: Jane’s Delivery Services

Jane owns a delivery business where she hires individuals to deliver packages on behalf of her company. She provides them with the necessary equipment, such as delivery vehicles and uniforms, and sets specific guidelines for how the deliveries should be carried out. Jane manages scheduling and routes for deliveries, indicating an employer-employee connection despite the contractor agreement.

Case Study 2: Mark’s IT Consulting Firm

Mark runs an IT consulting firm and frequently hires independent contractors with specialized skills to assist with projects. These contractors have their own tools, set their own schedules, and work remotely from their own offices. Mark’s role is limited to giving general guidelines for the project. Contractors have enough freedom to be considered independent.

Case Study 3: Sarah’s Event Planning Services

Sarah operates an event planning company and occasionally hires independent contractors to help with event setup and coordination. She provides them with detailed instructions and supervises their work on-site. Sarah provides equipment and materials for events, and her control over contractors’ work suggests an employee-employer relationship despite the independent contractor agreement.

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Jeffrey Johnson

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Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

Insurance Lawyer

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.

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