Independent Contractors

Formalize Your Freelance Business
Take these steps to bring your business to the next level.

Working as an Independent Contractor FAQ
Quick answers for consultants, freelancers, and contractors.

State and Local Licensing Requirements for Independent Contractors
You might need a license to work as a freelancer

Should my very small business incorporate in Delaware?
Your home state is usually the best place to incorporate

All Independent Contractors Articles

• Did I Hire an Employee or an Independent Contractor?

NOLO.COM - Misclassifying a worker can have serious consequences

• How can I convince a firm to hire me as a contractor, not an employee?

NOLO.COM - Protect your status as an independent contractor

• When can I charge late fees or finance charges?

NOLO.COM - Collecting late bills

• Do independent contractors need business licenses?

NOLO.COM - You may need a license -- even to work from home

• As a freelancer, how can I make sure to get paid?

NOLO.COM - The check is not in the mail

• Should I report expense reimbursements as income?

NOLO.COM - Reporting self-employment expenses

• The Home Office Tax Deduction

NOLO.COM - Running a business from home can help you lower your tax bill.

• Zoning Rules for Home Businesses

NOLO.COM - Municipalities govern whether you can run a business out of your home.

• Home and Hobby Businesses: Overview

NOLO.COM - Improve your chances of success when your hobby starts becoming a business.

• Insuring Your Home Business

NOLO.COM - If you use your home for business, you may need additional insurance coverage.

• Getting Clients to Pay Up

NOLO.COM - Getting work is one thing, getting paid is another. Here's some advice about what to do if a client won't, or can't, pay.

• How Much Should You Charge for Your Service?

NOLO.COM - How to price your services to attract business and make a profit.

• Preserving Your Status as an Independent Contractor

NOLO.COM - Follow these strategies to avoid being reclassified as an employee.

• Use Written Service Contracts for Your Clients

NOLO.COM - Independent contractors: Avoid trouble by putting client agreements in writing.

• Paying Estimated Taxes

NOLO.COM - Contractors and consultants don't have taxes withheld from their paychecks, but they have to pay estimated taxes every quarter.

• Top Ten Tax Deductions for Professionals

NOLO.COM - Don't pay more in taxes than you need to.

• Hobby Business Tax Rules

NOLO.COM - Be ready to prove that your hobby is a business if you want to write off your hobby losses.

• Pros and Cons of Freelancing, Contracting, and Consulting

NOLO.COM - The benefits -- and drawbacks -- of working as an independent contractor rather than as an employee.

• Minimal Requirements for Working as an Independent Contractor

NOLO.COM - When you do freelance or consulting work, there are a few things you must do to stay out of trouble with the law.

• What Are the Key Elements of an Agreement with an Independent Contractor?

AllBusiness.com - Your business must have a good form of Independent Contractor Agreement to mitigate liability and cost issues. A good agreement will often cover these seven items.