What is an Independent Contractor?
The following is provided as general information about Independent Contractors. It is not legal advice. If you require legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney knowledgeable in this aspect of the law.
As secret shoppers, we typically work as Independent Contractors (ICs), not employees.
There is not a single factor or test that determines whether a worker is an employee or an IC. Saying that someone is an Independent Contractor does not necessarily make it so. There are several things that regulatory agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service and state tax departments, consider when determining is someone is an employee or an IC. The rules are often vague, and interpretation is up to the agency making the determination.
The IC relationship is spelled out in the Independent Contractor Agreements (ICA) between mystery shoppers and mystery shopping companies. These agreements define the rights and responsibilities of both parties. ICAs often include language relating to the factors regulatory agencies consider when determining if someone is an employee or an IC.
So what does it mean to be an Independent Contractor?



