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Checklist for hiring an Independent Contractor

Checklist for hiring an Independent Contractor

Engaging an independent contractor lets you access specialised expertise on a flexible basis. To protect both parties and meet legal obligations, adopt a structured process that defines the working relationship clearly.

Use the checklist below to guide you through hiring and managing independent contractors while maintaining a clear and legally compliant relationship.

1. Define the scope of work

  • Identify the project or tasks: Provide a clear description of the work the contractor will undertake.

  • Set project timelines: Specify the start date, key deadlines, and anticipated completion date.

  • Specify deliverables: Itemise the expected outputs, products, or services the contractor must deliver.

2. Confirm contractor status

  • Verify classification: Confirm the worker satisfies the legal criteria for independent contractor status in the relevant jurisdiction.

  • Avoid misclassification: Exercise care to avoid directing how the work is performed, as that level of control may result in employee classification.

3. Budget and payment terms

  • Prepare a budget for the project or task.

  • Agree payment terms and decide if compensation will be hourly, per project, or structured otherwise.

  • Establish a payment schedule: Define payment milestones, such as upfront deposits, payments after specific milestones, or a final amount on project completion.

4. Draft a contract

Prepare a written agreement that documents the engagement terms and key clauses including:

  • Scope and nature of work

  • Payment terms

  • Deadlines

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure

  • Intellectual property rights and ownership

  • Termination clause

Seek legal advice to confirm the agreement complies with applicable laws.

5. Obtain necessary documentation

  • Proof of insurance (if applicable)

  • Portfolio or references

6. Establish communication protocols

  • Primary contact: Designate a primary point of contact within your organisation.

  • Communication tools: Agree on preferred communication methods

  • Schedule regular check-ins to review progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

  • Grant access to required tools, software, or platforms.

  • Provide a short orientation to your company’s processes, culture, and expectations.

  • Ensure the contractor understands and follows company security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality

  • Provide regular updates

  • Carry out quality checks

  • Give constructive feedback

9. Finalise and close out the project

  • Review final deliverables

  • Process final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

Hiring international contractors Is an effective way to assemble a mission-driven team without geographical boundaries, and Remote simplifies the process.

Remote’s contractor management services help you hire, pay, and manage contractors globally, freeing you to concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

  • Provide straightforward onboarding for contractors

  • Administer contractor agreements using our built-in custom contracts

  • Ensure compliance with local employment laws and tax practices

  • Protect your intellectual property

  • Process contractor payments quickly and in the correct currency

Find out more about our contractor management services, or if you’re ready to begin onboarding contractors, sign up today.