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Simple English definitions for legal terms
independent contractor
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A quick definition of independent contractor:
An independent contractor is someone who is hired by a company to do a specific job, but they work for themselves and not as an employee of the company. They have special skills or knowledge and work for many different companies. The company that hires them is not responsible for any bad things they do, except in certain situations. Independent contractors have to pay their own taxes, while employees have their taxes paid by the company.
A more thorough explanation:
An independent contractor is a person or business entity that is hired by another party to perform a specific task or service. Unlike employees, independent contractors are not under the control of the hiring party and are responsible for their own work and taxes.
Independent contractors are often hired for their specialized skills or knowledge and may work for multiple employers. They are not entitled to benefits such as health insurance or paid time off.
Under tort law, employers are generally not liable for the actions of independent contractors. However, there are certain situations where employers may still be held responsible, such as when the contractor is performing inherently dangerous activities or when the employer was negligent in selecting the contractor.
For example, if a homeowner hires an independent contractor to install a new roof and the contractor accidentally damages a neighbor's property, the homeowner may not be held liable for the damage. However, if the homeowner hired a contractor with a history of reckless behavior and the contractor causes harm to someone, the homeowner may be held responsible for their negligence in selecting the contractor.
Under tax law, independent contractors are responsible for paying their own Social Security and Medicare taxes, while employers are responsible for paying these taxes for their employees.
Overall, independent contractors offer flexibility and specialized skills to employers, but also come with certain legal and financial responsibilities.