An independent contractor (also known as a freelancer) is a person or entity who agrees to work for another person or entity as a nonemployee. Because of the independent contractor’s status as a nonemployee, the contractor must pay their own Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes. And the person or entity hiring the independent contractor has no obligation to withhold income taxes from the contractor’s fees. It is important for the person or entity who hires a worker to properly classify the worker as an employee or as an independent contractor based on the IRS’s right-to-control test.

In Utah, as in other states, the classification of a worker as an independent contractor or an employee is significant for tax purposes and compliance with labor laws. Independent contractors in Utah are responsible for paying their own Social Security and Medicare taxes, as they are not employees and therefore do not have taxes withheld by the hiring party. The hiring entity must correctly classify workers to avoid penalties and legal issues. The classification is guided by the IRS's right-to-control test, which examines factors such as the degree of control the hiring party has over the worker, the financial arrangements, the relationship between the parties, and the nature of the work being performed. Misclassification can lead to liabilities for unpaid taxes and other employment-related obligations. It is crucial for businesses to adhere to these guidelines to ensure compliance with both federal and state regulations.