Do you need to turn over documents when hiring an independent contractor?
James Craig
Published Feb 11, 2026
You as a business owner are not required to turn over these documents to anyone, but if you are ever audited by the IRS, or you need to verify the relationship, you will need to produce them. Create a file for each independent contractor you hire, with these documents. What Is an Independent Contractor?
What should I bring to work as an independent contractor?
It makes sense that they would bring their own ladder, shovel, or paint brush. A company that purports to have independent contractors but that supplies a desk, chair, computer, software, and telephone-everything they need-may not be very convincing in a worker status dispute.
Can a company claim to be an independent contractor?
A company that purports to have independent contractors but that supplies a desk, chair, computer, software, and telephone-everything they need-may not be very convincing in a worker status dispute. As this example suggests, this problem may be most common with office work. Still, it can arise in virtually any setting.
What are the hallmarks of an independent contractor?
One of the hallmarks of independent contractors is that they are required to supply their own tools, equipment, and supplies. Rev. Rul. 71-524, 1971-2 C.B. 346 ruled that a trucker working for a trucking company that leased vehicles (and provided maintenance) was an employee.
Can a contractor ask for information from the owner?
In general, Curran said, some contractors might be hesitant to ask for the information for fear of creating tension in its relationship with the owner. On the owner side, some try to strike that clause from the contract altogether, asserting that the terms of its project financing are not the contractor’s business.
Do you need a non-compete agreement when hiring a contractor?
To prevent this from happening, many employers of independent contractors require a non-compete agreement. A non-compete restricts the ability of a former employee or contractor from owning a competing business within a certain area for a certain time after leaving the employer and from doing work that competes directly with the former owner.
How does the contractor and the owner agree?
The Contractor and the Owner, for the consideration stated herein, agree as follows: ARTICLE 1 – SCOPE OF THE WORK: The Contractor shall furnish all of the materials and perform all of the Work shown on the Drawings and described in the Specifications entitled: Building Name Project Description U-M Project No. P0000XXXX Prepared by: