Independent Contractor Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?
An independent contractor is an individual or sole proprietor who is going to perform work for the university utilizing their own methods, whose work is not controlled by 一本道无码 and who are normally engaged in an established business, trade or profession. An employee is an individual who performs services for the university and the university has control over the details of what and how it will be done. An independent contractor is not an employee of Carnegie Mellon and is treated differently with respect to tax withholdings, employee benefits and payment methods. Visit the Independent Contractors vs. Employees page for more information.
What should the department do if they are not sure whether an individual is considered an independent contractor or employee?
The department that is interested in an individual performing a service for Carnegie Mellon should complete the Independent Contractor Checklist [.pdf] and answer the questions based on the individual's facts, circumstances and type of work. For assistance with the completion of the checklist, they should contact the Human Resources Compensation Office at compensation@andrew.cmu.edu.
What is the process for hiring independent contractors?
- If a department is interested in an individual performing services at Carnegie Mellon, they should first contact the University Contracts Office (UCO) at university-contracts@andrew.cmu.edu to discuss whether an Independent Contractor Checklist (ICC) needs to be completed and to start the contract process.
- The department will complete the Independent Contractor Checklist [.pdf], providing the necessary information and answering the questions regarding the individual who will potentially provide services to Carnegie Mellon.
- The completed ICC will be submitted via email to the Compensation Office at compensation@andrew.cmu.edu. Additional information may be requested by the Compensation Office or Taxation during the review process.
- Once the ICC is approved by Compensation Office and Taxation, Taxation will provide the approved ICC to Accounts Payable and the UCO to continue the setup process.
If an individual cannot be hired as an independent contractor, they will be notified by the Compensation Office or Taxation.
What if I forget to complete the Independent Contractor Checklist and contact the University Contracts Office instead?
The University Contracts Office or Accounts Payable will provide an email reminder asking you if you have completed the Independent Contractor Checklist [.pdf] and received approval from the Compensation Office and Taxation.
What is the purpose of the Independent Contractor Checklist?
Who should complete the Independent Contractor Checklist?
The university department/buyer that is engaging with the individual or sole proprietor, not the independent contractor.
Does the independent contractor need to sign the Independent Contractor Checklist?
Where does the completed Independent Contractor Checklist get sent for approval?
The completed Independent Contractor Checklist [.pdf] should be submitted to the Compensation Office at compensation@andrew.cmu.edu.
What is the average turn-around time for approval of the checklist?
The Independent Contractor Checklist [.pdf] is reviewed by the Compensation Office and Taxation daily. Departments should allow for at least a two-day turnaround.
Can the Independent Contractor Checklist be submitted via email?
Yes. It is preferred that the Independent Contractor Checklist [.pdf] be submitted to the Compensation Office via email at compensation@andrew.cmu.edu.