INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

The Not-So-Fine Print
All Independent Contractors must agree to the following prior to working with customers served by our agency. These guidelines are intended to ensure full compliance with both Oregon Administrative Rules and the terms of the legal contracts Independent Contractors hold with Customers.

1. I understand that I am not an employee of Independence Northwest nor am I an employee of any customer with whom I contract. I attest to my status as an Independent Contractor.
2. I understand that Independence Northwest will not withhold nor pay income tax, Social Security, Medicare or unemployment taxes or similar sums in connection with my compensation as an independent contractor.
3. I understand that I am responsible for monitoring my contracts with customers and cannot/will not be paid for any amount over that which is specified in the signed, legal contract. The contract terms are fixed and can only be changed by an addendum or revision signed and agreed upon by all parties (customer, contractor and Independence Northwest). With this understanding, I will not request additional funds from Independence Northwest should I provide more hours/days/miles than originally agreed upon in the contract.
4. I understand that I cannot begin work with a customer prior to having a signed contract in place. I further understand that beginning work with a customer prior to having a completed contract makes it illegal for Independence Northwest to pay me for services rendered during the time without a contract. I understand I should contact Independence Northwest management should I have any difficulty getting a contract from a staff person at the agency. Regardless of why a contract is not in place, I understand that payment cannot and will not be made on services without a contract.
5. I understand that I must submit all invoices to Independence Northwest on time and complete. I agree to meet all deadlines for invoice due dates and understand that any late or incomplete invoice submission will result in a processing delay to the following month’s billing schedule. I understand this means payment may be delayed for 30 additional days as a result of tardy invoice submission, without exception.
6. I understand that I am responsible for ensuring the customer’s verification on every invoice submitted to Independence Northwest Without customer verification (signature), no invoice will be processed.
7. I agree to provide progress notes with every invoice for proof of services rendered (except, in rare cases, where the contract has special conditions that state otherwise).
8. I agree to adhere to 1:1 ratio of support for all contracts unless it is indicated otherwise in the contract. I agree that any services where more than one person needing support is present will be pro-rated based on the number in the group. I understand that double billing is fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars and will result in sanctions and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
9. I agree to notify Independence Northwest as soon as possible in the event of any serious incident. I further agree to submit an Incident Report to the Personal Agent in the event of any serious or major incidents involving customers.
10. I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Independence Northwest and its customers, agents, contractors and employees from any and all taxes, penalties, fines, premiums or other amounts that may become due as a result of the Contractor’s performance of services.

The information contained above is part of the NWCC Independent Contractor Qualification Packet.