Washington § 39.12.100 - Independent contractors — Criteria.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 39.12.100 — Independent contractors — Criteria., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39.12.100. Independent contractors — Criteria.

For the purposes of this chapter, an individual employed on a public works project is not considered to be a laborer, worker, or mechanic when:
(1) The individual has been and is free from control or direction over the performance of the service, both under the contract of service and in fact;
(2) The service is either outside the usual course of business for the contractor or contractors for whom the individual performs services, or the service is performed outside all of the places of business of the enterprise for which the individual performs services, or the individual is responsible, both under the contract and in fact, for the costs of the principal place of business from which the service is performed;
(3) The individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession, or business, of the same nature as that involved in the contract of service, or the individual has a principal place of business for the business the individual is conducting that is eligible for a business deduction for federal income tax purposes other than that furnished by the employer for which the business has contracted to furnish services;
(4) On the effective date of the contract of service, the individual is responsible for filing at the next applicable filing period, both under the contract of service and in fact, a schedule of expenses with the internal revenue service for the type of business the individual is conducting;
(5) On the effective date of the contract of service, or within a reasonable period after the effective date of the contract of service, the individual has an active and valid certificate of registration with the department of revenue, and an active and valid account with any other state agencies as required by the particular case, for the business the individual is conducting for the payment of all state taxes normally paid by employers and businesses and has registered for and received a unified business identifier number from the state of Washington;
(6) On the effective date of the contract of service, the individual is maintaining a separate set of books or records that reflect all items of income and expenses of the business which the individual is conducting; and
(7) On the effective date of the contract of service, if the nature of the work performed requires registration under chapter 18.27 RCW or licensure under chapter 18.106, 19.28, or 70.87 RCW, the individual has the contractor registration and contractor licenses required by the laws of this state including chapters 18.27, 18.106, 19.28, and 70.87 RCW.
[ 2023 c 88 s 6; 2009 c 63 s 1.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 39.12.100

What does Revised Code of Washington § 39.12.100 cover?

Section 39.12.100 ("Independent contractors — Criteria.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 39.12.100?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 39.12.100" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 39.12.100 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.