Please read the One-Page Independent Contractor Classification - PI and Researcher Guide on the requirements when hiring Independent Contractors (Consultants).  For more detailed information, visit Financial Policy Office's website.

Policy Statement

It is Harvard’s policy that an individual who is paid to provide services to Harvard must be hired as an employee unless the engagement satisfies the three-part Independent Contractor test.   

An Independent Contractor (IC) is generally an individual who is in an independent trade, business, or profession and offers services to the general public. An IC may work as an individual or through a business entity such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability corporation. ICs are sometimes also referred to as consultants, 1099s, contractors, or vendors.

A worker’s preference is not relevant to the classification determination, nor is that of the local department or unit wishing to engage the individual.

Independent Contractor Policy Table of Contents
Policy Statement
Reason for Policy 
Who Must Comply
Responsibilities and Procedures
Responsibilities and Contacts
Related Resources
Revision History
Appendices

Resources

• Independent Contractor Policy - PDF Download
• Independent Contractor PowerPoint
• Independent Contractor Refresher PowerPoint
• Independent Contractor Questionnaire
• Independent Contractor Exceptions Attestation Form
• IC Policy Flowchart

Full List of Items from HSPH Website

• Start Here: Harvard Chan School Independent Contractor Process and Workflow
• Vendor and Independent Contractor Chart Guide 04/2020
• Independent Contractor Policy Refresher 04/2020
• Revised Independent Contractor Policy Training-Register through HTP
• A one-page quick guide for Principal Investigators and Researchers
• Independent Contractor Policy and Questionnaire-7/1/2019
• Harvard Chan School Independent Contractors Procedures
• SPH Approval Form for Short Term Engagements Less than $3K
• HU IC Short Form Consulting Agreement Less than $50K
• HU IC Long Form Consulting Agreement $50K or more
• Guidance on Honorariums
• Model Speaker Consent Form for Audio/Video Recordings
• Model Speaker Consent Form for NO Audio/Video Recordings
• Harvard Global Support Services Website
• Harvard Contingent Worker System Resources – FieldGlass (YOH)
• Instructions on How to Setup a Person of Interest (POI) in MIDAS
• Harvard Chan School POI Policy Memo
• List of POI Authorized Requestors-Department Administrators
• IC Policy Guest Speaker Flowchart