Profile of an Independent Contractor (IC)

ICs are self-employed and carry on an independent trade or business. They have a high degree of autonomy—or independence. A 501(c)(3) using the services of an IC has some right to direct or instruct this type of worker, but less than in the case of an employee. 

You could say the employer has the right to tell an IC what needs to be done, but not how to do it.

The IC also bears a genuine possibility of profit or loss.

Meet Isabelle, an IC.