Independent Contractor Defined: An independent contractor is a self-employed individual or business that provides goods or services to the University under a contract and/or official UC Berkeley Purchase Order. Independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes and benefits. The University provides the independent contractor with a contract that outlines the terms of the work to be performed, including the scope, milestones, deliverables, deadlines, payment terms, and other relevant details.
Important: Starting January 1, 2020, workers will be considered employees unless proven otherwise. Visit AB 5 – Employment Status to learn how it impacts you.
Independent Contractors typically have the following characteristics as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), California laws, and/or UC policy:
- Have no affiliation with the University;
- Have multiple concurrent clients,
- Advertise their services online or in publications; work on separate/distinct projects
- Have invested in various business-related expenses;
- Are engaged by the University to perform specific functions or tasks (deliverables);
- Perform work outlined in a written contract;
- Are not given instruction on when, where, or how to perform the work in order to produce a deliverable;
- Do NOT receive training, orientation, or supervision from the University;
- Use their own equipment and supplies to perform contracted work;
- Are “paid per job”;
- Will not receive employee benefits or supervise University employees;
- Do not follow the University's scheduled hours of work.
Consult with your Buyer for any services over $99,999.99 as they may require competition by law.
Examples of Independent Contractor services:
- Business coaches and consultants
- Data analysts and statisticians
- Event planners and coordinators
- Freelance writers, editors, and content creators
- Graphic designers and illustrators
- Interpreters and translators
- Legal professionals such as lawyers and paralegals who work on a contract basis
- Marketing consultants and social media managers
- Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists who work on a contract basis
- Musicians and performers
- Technical editors and preparing technical appraisals
- Photographers and videographers
- Trainers and fitness instructors
- Web developers and programmers