What is an independent contractor?

Independent contractor

An independent contractor is a self-employed individual or entity that works for themselves, as opposed to a contractor that is employed by an umbrella company or agency.

An independent contractor sources their own clients and manages the relationships with the companies they work for. They are responsible for paying their own taxes and do not receive benefits from the companies that employees receive, like PTO.

Disclaimer: This article and all information in it is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice. You should consult with a qualified legal or tax professional for advice regarding any legal or tax matter and prior to acting (or refraining from acting) on the basis of any information provided on this website.

About Oyster

Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, hire, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.

Oyster enables hiring anywhere in the world—with reliable, compliant payroll, and great local benefits and perks.