Independent Contractor Test
Towson University - 8000 York Rd, Towson MD 21252 - 410-704-2171 - towson.edu/
Before you can determine how to pay a person performing services, you must determine whether that person is an
employee or an independent contractor. Whether the worker is an employee or an independent contractor depends
on the facts of the particular situation, not on the name you choose to give the relationship. Under federal tax law and
regulations, the substance of the relationship, not the label, determines the worker’s status.
Generally, the University must withhold and pay income, social security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment
tax, on wages paid to a worker, but not on payments to an independent contractor. If you misclassify an employee as
an independent contractor, the IRS may hold the University liable for taxes for that worker. The University will pay
those taxes, and any penalties due to the IRS, from your budget.
There are three (3) primary areas that are of concern when determining whether a worker is an independent contractor
or an employee: behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationships between the worker and the
University. To help address these issues, please answer the following questions:
I.
Behavioral Control – these questions will help to determine the extent to which the University has a
right to direct and control how the worker does the task.
Will you instruct the worker in any of the following areas:
When and where to do the work?
What tools or equipment to use?
What workers to hire or assist with the work?
Where to purchase supplies or services?
What work must be performed by a specified individual?
What order or sequence to follow?
Describe the extent to which the University will be exercising behavioral control over how the work
results are achieved.
Will the University be providing any training to the worker in order for the worker to
complete the required task?
– these factors will help to determine the extent to which the University has the right to
control the business aspects of the workers job.
Will the worker incur un-reimbursed business expenses?
Will the University reimburse the worker for any expenses associated with the work?
If yes, list those expenses:
Will the worker be performing work for the University at their own facilities?
.
Will the worker be performing work for the University on-site or at a place designated by
the University?
If yes, explain where the work will be performed.