Independent Cause

As an independent contractor, you have the right to market your services to other businesses and can work with more than one client at a time. Even if you have a long-term contract with a particular client, you can choose to work on additional projects as well.

If your independent contractor agreement contains a provision that allows the parties to terminate the relationship at any time, revise the agreement to include a notice provision with at least some kind of a notice period required for termination of the contract.

Form W-9. The IRS requires contractors to fill out a Form W-9, request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, which you should keep on file for at least four years after the hiring. This form is used to request the correct name and Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN, of the worker or their entity.

Get it in writing. Keep it simple. Deal with the right person. Identify each party correctly. Spell out all of the details. Specify payment obligations. Agree on circumstances that terminate the contract. Agree on a way to resolve disputes.

An independent contractor cannot be fired so long as he or she produces a result that meets the specifications of the contract. Training. An employee may be trained to perform services in a particular manner. However, independent contractors ordinarily use their own methods and receive no training from the employer.

Termination of the Contract Because this is a contract with an independent contractor, not an employee, the contract should state that either party can terminate the agreement with or without notice, depending on the circumstances.

Terms. This is the first section of any agreement or contract and states the names and locations of the parties involved. Responsibilities & Deliverables. Payment-Related Details. Confidentiality Clause. Contract Termination. Choice of Law.

Name of contractor and contact information. Name of homeowner and contact information. Describe property in legal terms. List attachments to the contract. The cost. Failure of homeowner to obtain financing. Description of the work and the completion date. Right to stop the project.