Although no definite rule exists for determining whether one is an independent contractor or employee, the main issue is the basic issue of control. The general test of what constitutes an independent contractor relationship involves which party has the right to direct what is to be done, and how and when. Another important test involves method of payment of the contractor.
An independent contractor is not an agent of the person he is contracting with. The main way to tell an independent contractor from an agent is the degree of control or supervision that the purported principal has over the agent or independent contractor. If there is no significant supervision over the contractor, there is no agency or liability for the actions of the independent contractor. An agent or an employee is different from an independent contractor. A principal or employer has control over an agent or employee, but not over an independent contractor. A principal or employer does not have control over the work performance of an independent contractor. A principal or employer is not bound by the actions of an independent contractor.
