Employee or Independent Contractor?

The Employment Status Test was developed to assist departments in determining whether an individual providing a service should be classified as an employee or as an independent contractor.

If Jefferson controls not only what an individual accomplishes, but also how a task is accomplished, an employee status is usually indicated. Such individuals are paid through the University Payroll system.

Individuals for whom we do not exercise this control are deemed independent contractors and are paid through the Accounts Payable system.  The Independent Contractor Agreement outlines the nature of the work to be performed, terms of payment, and other pertinent information related to the independent contractor’s relationship with Jefferson.

If a determination of independent contractor is reached, the completed Employee Status Test and Independent Contractor Agreement must be attached to the initial Request for Payment and is valid for the duration of the work to be performed up to a maximum of one year.