An Alaska independent contractor agreement is a legal contract between a freelancer and their client that is drafted, negotiated, and signed before they begin work. The agreement puts many important terms of the freelancer’s hiring into writing, such as a description of the services, compensation, contract length, and expense reimbursement.

A worker can only be classified as an independent contractor if they’re free to perform the services listed in the agreement in any manner they see fit. This freedom is essential in keeping freelancers differentiated from employees in the eyes of the IRS. Before beginning work, the client should collect a completed W9 form from the freelancer; a tax form that plays a significant role in filling out Form 1099 come tax season.