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Employee or Self-Employed?

RC4110(E) Rev. 12

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Table of contents


Is this guide for you?

Use this guide if you are:

  • a payer or employer; or
  • a worker.

It will help you understand how to determine a worker’s employment status.

Before you start

Employee or self-employed worker?

It is important to determine whether a worker is an employee or a self-employed individual. Employment status directly affects a person's entitlement to employment insurance (EI) benefits under the Employment Insurance Act. It can also have an impact on how a worker is treated under other legislation such as the Canada Pension Plan and the Income Tax Act.

The facts of the working relationship as a whole determine the employment status.

If the worker is an employee (employer-employee relationship), the payer is considered an employer. Employers are responsible for deducting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, EI premiums, and income tax from remuneration or other amounts they pay to their employees. They have to remit these deductions along with their share of CPP contributions and EI premiums, to the Canada Revenue Agency.

An employer who fails to deduct the required CPP contributions or EI premiums has to pay both the employer's share and the employee's share of any contributions and premiums owing, plus penalties and interest. For more information, go to Payroll.

Note
Non-arm's length relationship - If an employee is not dealing at arm's length with the employer, it is possible that his or her employment is not insurable under the Employment Insurance Act. For more information, read the interpretation article on this subject at CPP/EI Explained.

If the worker is a self-employed individual and in a business relationship, he or she is considered to have a business. For more information, go to Business.

Employment insurance for self‑employed individuals

Self-employed individuals may in some circumstances be eligible for certain employment insurance special benefits by contributing to the plan.

For more information, visit Service Canada.

Self-employed individuals in Quebec may be eligible for benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). For more information, visit Revenu Québec.

My Business Account

My Business Account gives business owners (including partners, directors, and officers) secure, online access to a growing range of services for payroll, GST/HST, corporation income tax, and other accounts.

If you have a payroll account with the CRA, you can view your payroll account balance and transactions, file and view the status of your T4 return, provide a nil remittance, request a CPP/EI ruling, register a formal dispute (appeal), change addresses, and view your payroll remitting requirements. You can also authorize an employee or representative to have online access to your information. To use these online services, go to My Business Account. If you are an authorized representative or employee, you can access these services at Represent a client.

Requesting a ruling

If a worker or payer is not sure of the worker's employment status, either party can request a ruling to have the status determined. A ruling determines whether a worker is an employee or is self-employed, and whether that worker's employment is pensionable or insurable. If you have a payroll account and are registered on My Business Account, you can use the "Request a CPP/EI ruling service" in My Business Account.

An authorized representative for the payer can request a ruling electronically at Represent a client.

A payer or a worker can request a ruling by sending a letter or a completed Form CPT1, Request for a Ruling as to the Status of a Worker Under the Canada Pension Plan and/or the Employment Insurance Act to their tax services office. You can get this form at Forms and publications or by calling 1-800-959-2221. For a list of our tax services offices and tax centres, go to Tax services offices and tax centres.

Note
This guide does not replace a formal request for a ruling.

Time limit for requesting a ruling

A worker or an employer can request a ruling before June 30 of the year following the year to which the question relates. For example, if the employment took place in 2012, the ruling request has to be made before June 30, 2013.

Filing an appeal

If a CPP/EI ruling has been issued and the worker or payer does not agree with the decision, either party has the right to file an appeal within 90 days after being notified of the CPP/EI ruling.

If a CPP /EI payroll assessment has been issued, the payer has the right to file an appeal within 90 days after being notified of that payroll assessment.

However, before you file an appeal, we strongly recommend that you first call or write to the tax services office or tax centre that issued the CPP/EI ruling to discuss the matter. Many disputes are resolved this way and can save you the time and trouble of appealing.

To appeal a CPP/EI ruling decision, you can:

  • access My Business Account, and select “Register a formal dispute (appeal)” for your payroll account;
  • access My Account, select "Register my formal dispute," and choose "CPP/EI ruling" in the subject area;
  • access Represent a Client. If you represent a business, select “Register a formal dispute (appeal)” for a payroll account, and then choose “CPP/EI ruling” in the subject area. If you represent an individual, select “Register my formal dispute”, and then choose “CPP/EI ruling” in the subject area;
  • file Form CPT100, Appeal of a Ruling under the Canada Pension Plan and/or Employment Insurance Act; or
  • write to the chief of appeals at your tax services office or tax centre explaining why you do not agree with the ruling and provide all related facts. Include a copy of the CPP/EI ruling letter. The addresses of our tax centres are listed below, and for a list of our tax services offices and tax centres, go to Tax services offices and tax centres.

For more information on how to appeal a CPP/EI ruling decision, see Booklet P133, Your Appeal Rights - Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance Coverage and Booklet P148, Resolving Your Dispute: Objection and Appeal Rights under the Income Tax Act.


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Employment status

Certain factors have to be considered when determining if a worker is an employee or a self-employed individual.

These factors differ if the contract is formed in the province of Quebec or in another province or territory. Usually, the province or territory where the contract was formed will determine which set of factors to use.

Note
In a written contract, the parties may state that in the event of a disagreement about the contents of the contract, it is to be interpreted under the Quebec law (Civil Code), even though the contract was formed for example in Ontario (common law). Depending on where the contract is formed, unless it is stated differently in the written contract, use the set of factors appropriate for your situation. For more information on the treatment of a worker’s status in Quebec, refer to publication IN-301-V, Employee or Self-Employed Person? from Revenu Québec.

Determining a worker's employment status in a province or territory other than Quebec

When we examine whether a person is an employee or a self-employed individual, the key question we ask is whether the person is engaged to perform services as a person in business on his or her own account, or as an employee. To do this, we examine the total relationship between the worker and the payer, using a two step approach.

Step 1

We ask the worker and the payer what their intent was when they entered into the working arrangement. Did the two parties intend to enter into a contract of service (employer-employee relationship) or did they intend to enter into a contract for services (business relationship)?

We need to know how they defined their working relationship and why they defined it as such.

Sometimes the intention is clear, and both parties are in agreement (common intent). Sometimes the intent can be found in a written agreement. Sometimes the two parties have a different understanding as to the status of their working relationship, in which case there is no common intent.

Workers and payers can set up their affairs as they see fit; however, they have to ensure that the status they have chosen is reflected in the actual terms and conditions of the working relationship.

Step 2

We ask the worker and the payer questions that will help us understand the working relationship and allow us to verify whether the intent of the parties is reflected in the facts.

These questions relate to the following elements:

  • the level of control the payer has over the worker’s activities;
  • whether the worker provides the tools and equipment;
  • whether the worker can subcontract the work or hire assistants;
  • the degree of financial risk the worker takes;
  • the degree of responsibility for investment and management the worker holds;
  • the worker's opportunity for profit; and
  • any other relevant factors, such as written contracts.

We look at the answers separately for each element and then together.

We consider whether they reflect the stated intention. When there is no common intent, we decide if the actual working conditions are more consistent with a contract of service or with a contract for services.

Factors you should consider

To help you understand the process, we explain each factor and show some indicators that the worker may be an employee or a self-employed individual.

Control

Control is the ability, authority, or right of a payer to exercise control over a worker concerning the manner in which the work is done and what work will be done.

Degree of control or autonomy

Consider the degree of control held by the payer or the degree of autonomy held by the worker.

The actual degree of control will vary with the type of work and the skills of the worker.

Determination of the degree of control can be difficult when examining the employment of professionals such as engineers, doctors, and IT consultants. Because of their expertise and specialized training, they may need little or no specific direction in their daily activities. When examining the factor of control, it is necessary to focus on both the payer's control over the worker's daily activities, and the payer's influence over the worker.

Payer's right to exercise control

It is the right of the payer to exercise control that is relevant, not whether the payer actually exercises this right.

It is the control of a payer over a worker that is relevant, and not the control of a payer over the end result of a product or service purchased.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The relationship is one of subordination. The payer will often direct, scrutinize, and effectively control many elements of how and when the work is performed.
  • The payer controls the worker with respect to both the results of the work and the method used to do the work.
  • The payer determines and controls the method and amount of pay. Salary negotiations may still take place in an employer-employee relationship.
  • The worker requires permission to work for other payers while working for this payer.
  • Where the schedule is irregular, priority on the worker's time is an indication of control over the worker.
  • The payer determines what jobs the worker will do.
  • The worker receives training or direction from the payer on how to do the work. The overall work environment between the worker and the payer is one of subordination.
  • The payer chooses to listen to the worker's suggestions but has the final word.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • A self-employed individual usually works independently within a defined framework.
  • The worker does not have anyone overseeing his or her activities.
  • The worker is usually free to work when and for whom he or she chooses and may provide his or her services to different payers at the same time.
  • The worker can accept or refuse work from the payer.
  • The working relationship between the payer and the worker does not present a degree of continuity, loyalty, security, subordination, or integration, all of which are generally associated with an employer-employee relationship.

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Tools and equipment

Consider if the worker owns and provides tools and equipment to accomplish the work. Contractual control of, and responsibility for, an asset in a rental or lease situation is also considered under this factor.

What is relevant is the significant investment in the tools and equipment along with the cost of replacement, repair, and insurance. A worker who has made a significant investment is likely to retain a right over the use of these assets, diminishing the payer's control over how the work is performed. In addition, a significant investment in tools and equipment and the maintenance and replacement costs associated with these assets may place the worker at the risk of a loss.

Note
Tools and equipment can vary widely in terms of value and can include everything from wrenches and hammers, to costumes, appliances, stethoscopes, musical instruments, computers, and vehicles such as trucks and tractors.

Self-employed individuals often supply the tools and equipment required to complete a contract. As a result, the ownership of tools and equipment by a worker is more commonly associated with a business relationship.

However, employees sometimes also have to provide their own tools. The courts have acknowledged that because a worker is required to provide tools of the trade, this does not in itself mean that the worker is a self‑employed individual. For example, many skilled tradespeople such as auto mechanics have to supply their own tools, even if they are full‑time employees.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The payer supplies most of the tools and equipment the worker needs. In addition, the payer is responsible for repair, maintenance, and insurance costs.
  • The worker supplies the tools and equipment and the payer reimburses the worker for their use.
  • The payer retains the right of use over the tools and equipment provided to the worker.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • The worker provides the tools and equipment needed for the work. In addition, the worker is responsible for the costs of repairs, insurance, and maintenance to the tools and equipment.
  • The worker has made a significant investment in the tools and equipment and the worker retains the right over the use of these assets.
  • The worker supplies his or her own workspace, is responsible for the costs to maintain it, and performs substantial work from that site.

Subcontracting work or hiring assistants

Consider if the worker can subcontract work or hire assistants. This factor can help determine a worker's business presence because subcontracting work or hiring assistants can affect their chance of profit and risk of loss.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The worker cannot hire helpers or assistants.
  • The worker does not have the ability to hire and send replacements. The worker has to perform the services personally.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • The worker does not have to perform the services personally. He or she can hire another party to either complete the work or help complete the work, and pays the costs for doing so.
  • The payer has no say in whom the worker hires.

Financial risk

Consider the degree of financial risk taken by the worker. Determine if there are any fixed ongoing costs incurred by the worker or any expenses that are not reimbursed.

Usually, employees will not have any financial risk as their expenses will be reimbursed, and they will not have fixed ongoing costs.

Self-employed individuals, on the other hand, can have financial risk and incur losses because they usually pay fixed monthly costs even if work is not currently being performed.

Employees and self-employed individuals may be reimbursed for business or travel expenses. Consider only the expenses that are not reimbursed by the payer.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The worker is not usually responsible for any operating expenses.
  • Generally, the working relationship between the worker and the payer is continuous.
  • The worker is not financially liable if he or she does not fulfill the obligations of the contract.
  • The payer determines and controls the method and amount of pay.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • The worker hires helpers to assist in the work. The worker pays the hired helpers.
  • The worker performs a substantial amount of work from his or her own workspace and incurs expenses relating to the operation of that workspace.
  • The worker is hired for a specific job rather than an ongoing relationship.
  • The worker is financially liable if he or she does not fulfill the obligations of the contract.
  • The worker does not receive any protection or benefits from the payer.
  • The worker advertises and actively markets his or her services.

Responsibility for investment and management

Consider the degree of responsibility for investment and management held by the worker.

Is the worker required to make any investment in order to provide the services?

A significant investment is evidence that a business relationship may exist. You should also consider if the worker is free to make business decisions that affect his or her profit or loss.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The worker has no capital investment in the business.
  • The worker does not have a business presence.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • The worker has capital investment.
  • The worker manages his or her staff.
  • The worker hires and pays individuals to help perform the work.
  • The worker has established a business presence.

Opportunity for profit

Consider whether the worker can realize a profit or incur a loss, as this indicates that a worker controls the business aspects of services rendered and that a business relationship likely exists. To have a chance of a profit and a risk of a loss, a worker has to have potential proceeds and expenses, and one could exceed the other.

Employees normally do not have the chance of a profit and risk of a loss even though their remuneration can vary depending on the terms of their employment contracts. For example, employees working on a commission or piece rate basis, or employees with a productivity bonus clause in their contract can increase their earnings based on their productivity. This increase in income is not normally viewed as a profit, as it is not the excess of proceeds over expenses.

Employees may have expenses directly related to their employment, such as automobile expenses, board and lodging costs. Normally, expenses would not place employees at risk of incurring a loss because it is unlikely that the expenses would be in excess of their remuneration.

Self-employed individuals normally have the chance of profit or risk of loss, because they have the ability to pursue and accept contracts as they see fit. They can negotiate the price (or unilaterally set their prices) for their services and have the right to offer those services to more than one payer. Self-employed individuals will normally incur expenses to carry out the terms and conditions of their contracts, and to manage those expenses to maximize net earnings. Self-employed individuals can increase their proceeds and/or decrease their expenses in an effort to increase profit.

This factor has to be considered from the worker's perspective, not the payer's. It is for the most part an assessment of the degree to which the worker can control his or her proceeds and expenses.

Employees generally do not share in profits or suffer losses incurred by the business.

The method of payment may help to determine if the worker has the opportunity to make a profit or incur a loss. In an employer-employee relationship, the worker is normally guaranteed a return for the work done and is usually paid on an hourly, daily, weekly, or similar basis.

Similarly, some self-employed individuals may be paid on an hourly basis. However, when a worker is paid a flat rate for the work performed, it generally indicates a business relationship, especially if the worker incurs expenses in performing the services.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The worker is not normally in a position to realize a business profit or loss.
  • The worker is entitled to benefit plans which are normally only offered to employees. These include registered pension plans, and group accident, health, and dental insurance plans.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • The worker can hire a substitute and the worker pays the substitute.
  • The worker is compensated by a flat fee and incurs expenses in performing the services.

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Determining a worker's employment status in the province of Quebec

When we examine whether a person is an employee or self-employed individual in the province of Quebec, we examine the relationship between the worker and the payer, using a three step approach.

Step 1

We ask the worker and the payer what their intent was when they entered into the working arrangement. We need to know how they defined their working relationship and why they defined it as such.

Sometimes the intention is clear, and both parties are in agreement (common intent). Sometimes the intent can be found in a written agreement. Sometimes the two parties have a different understanding as to the status of their employment relationship, in which case there is no common intent.

Workers and payers can set up their affairs as they see fit; however, they have to ensure that the status they have chosen is reflected in the actual terms and conditions of the working relationship.

To determine the parties' intentions, we obtain a copy of the contract, or a testimony by the parties and examine the parties' actions. Both parties' intentions form part of the context that we analyse.

Step 2

We look to see if the employment meets the definition of a contract of employment, or of a business contract (contract for services) defined in the Civil Code of Québec by considering the following factors:

  • performance of work;
  • remuneration; and
  • relationship of subordination.

It is important to gather the facts and analyse each of them in light of the specific context of the employment and the intent of the parties.

Step 3

We compare each party's intentions with their actual working relationship. We determine whether the conditions of the working relationship represent the status that the parties have chosen and that they are consistent with the definitions of the Civil Code of Québec.

Factors you should consider

Examine the relationship between the worker and the payer by considering the factors outlined in Step 2.

To help you understand the process, we explain each factor and provide some indicators to show whether a relationship of subordination exists.

Performance of work

Whether there is an employer-employee relationship or a business relationship, the worker has to perform the work. It can be part-time or full-time for a specified or indeterminate period.

Remuneration

Remuneration means all consideration and benefits having a monetary value. Whether there is an employer-employee relationship or a business relationship, the worker will receive remuneration in exchange for work. The remuneration can be calculated by time, by the piece or another manner.

Relationship of subordination

This factor helps distinguish the employer-employee relationship from a business relationship.

The relationship of subordination is the capacity, the authority or the right of a payer to exercise a control over the worker's activities and the manner in which the work is done.

Degree of control or autonomy

Consider the degree of control held by the payer or the degree of autonomy held by the worker.

The actual degree of control will vary with the type of work and the skills of the worker.

The determination of the degree of control can be difficult when examining the employment of professionals such as engineers, doctors, and IT consultants. Because of their expertise and specialized training, they may require little or no specific direction in their daily activities. When examining the factor of control, it is necessary to focus on both the payer's control over the worker's daily activities, and the payer's influence over the worker.

Payer's right to exercise control

It is the right of the payer to exercise control that is relevant, not whether the payer actually exercises this right.

It is the control of a payer over a worker that is relevant, and not the control of a payer over the end result of a product or service that he or she has purchased.

Indicators that the worker is an employee
  • The payer directs and controls many elements of how the work is performed (such as what, who, where, when and how).
  • The payer controls the worker's absences, such as sick leave or vacation leave.
  • The payer controls the worker with respect to the results of the work and the method used to do the work.
  • The payer creates the work schedule and establishes the worker's rules of conduct.
  • The worker has to perform the work personally.
  • The worker has to remit activity reports to the payer.
  • The worker's activities are reserved to a single payer (exclusivity of services).
  • The payer can impose disciplinary actions on a worker.
  • The worker receives training or direction from the payer on how to perform the work.
  • The worker accepts integration in the payer's business to have the latter benefit from his work.
  • The parties have inserted a non-competition clause in their written contract.
Indicators that the worker is a self-employed individual
  • The worker is usually free to work when and for whom he or she chooses and may provide his or her services to different payers at the same time.
  • The worker does not have to perform the services personally. He or she can hire another party to either complete the work or help complete the work.
  • The worker can generally choose the time and the manner the work will be performed.
  • The worker does not need to be at the payer's premises.
  • The worker can accept or refuse work from the payer.
  • The working relationship between the payer and the worker does not present a degree of continuity, loyalty, security, subordination, or integration, all of which are generally associated with an employer-employee relationship.

Note
Since in certain working relationships it can be difficult to determine whether there is a relationship of subordination, we can also take into consideration indicators used in common law, referred to above in Step 2 of the section titled Determining a worker’s employment status in a province or territory other than Quebec.

Special situations

Special rules concerning CPP, EI and income tax apply to certain occupations. These special rules apply to:

  • barbers and hairdressers;
  • taxi drivers and drivers of other passenger carrying vehicles;
  • emergency volunteers;
  • fishers;
  • temporary help services;
  • caregiver, baby-sitter, or domestic worker;
  • placement and employment agency workers;
  • seasonal agricultural workers;
  • Indians;
  • employees outside of Canada.

For more information on special situations, see Guide T4001, Employers' Guide - Payroll Deductions and Remittances, or go to Payroll.




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For more information

What if you need help?

If you need more information after reading this publication, visit Employee or Self-Employed? or call 1-800-959-5525.

Forms and publications

To get forms and publications, go to Forms and publications or call 1-800-959-2221.

My Account

My Account is a secure, convenient, and time-saving way to access and manage your tax and benefit information online, seven days a week! Discover all that My Account has to offer you. Take the tour at My Account or see Pamphlet RC4059, My Account for individuals.

Teletypewriter (TTY) users

TTY users can call 1-800-665-0354 for bilingual assistance during regular business hours.

Interpretive articles

To view articles that will help you understand the requirements of the Canada Pension Plan and the Employment Insurance Act, go to CPP/EI Explained.

Court decisions

  • Sagaz Industries Canada Inc. v. 671122 Ontario Ltd. 2001 SCC 59 (27820)
  • Royal Winnipeg Ballet v. Canada (M.N.R.) 2006 FCA 87 (A-443-04)
  • Wolf v. Canada 2002 FCA 96 (A-563-00)
  • Standing v. Canada (M.N.R.) [1992] F.C.J. no. 890 (A-857-90)
  • Wiebe Door Services Ltd. v. Canada (M.N.R.) [1986] 3 F.C. 553 (A-531-85)
  • 9041-6868 Québec Inc. v. Canada (M.N.R) 2005 FCA 334 (A-559-04)
  • Combined Insurance Company of America v. Canada (M.N.R.) 2007 FCA 60 (A-469-05)
  • Grimard v. Canada 2009 FCA 47 (A-39-08)
  • TBT Personnel Services Inc. v. Canada 2011 FCA 256

Legislative references

  • Paragraph 5(1)(a) of the Employment Insurance Act
  • Paragraph 6(1)(a) of the Canada Pension Plan
  • Articles 2085 to 2129 of the Civil Code of Québec

Legal material

ARCHAMBAULT, Pierre: Contract of Employment: Why Wiebe Door Services Ltd. Does Not Apply in Quebec and What Should Replace It, and The Harmonisation of Federal Legislation with Quebec Civil Law and Canadian Bijuralism: Second Collection of Studies in Tax Law, Montreal, APFF, 2005.

Electronic payments

Make your payment online using the CRA's My Payment service or using your financial institution's telephone or Internet banking services.

For more information, go to Electronic payments or contact your financial institution.

Tax centres

Jonquière Tax Centre
2251 René-Lévesque Boulevard
Jonquière QC G7S 5J1

Shawinigan-Sud Tax Centre
Post Office Box 3000, Station Bureau-chef
Shawinigan QC G9N 7S6

St. John's Tax Centre
290 Empire Avenue
St. John's NL A1B 3Z1

Sudbury Tax Centre
1050 Notre-Dame Avenue
Sudbury ON P3A 5C1

Summerside Tax Centre
275 Pope Road
Summerside PE C1N 6A2

Surrey Tax Centre
9755 King George Boulevard
Surrey BC V3T 5E1

Winnipeg Tax Centre
66 Stapon Road
Winnipeg MB R3C 3M2

For a list of our tax services offices, go to Tax services offices and tax centres.

Our service complaint process

If you are not satisfied with the service that you have received, contact the CRA employee you have been dealing with or call the telephone number that you have been given. If you are not pleased with the way your concerns are addressed, you can ask to discuss the matter with the employee’s supervisor.

If the matter is not settled, you can then file a service complaint by completing Form RC193, Service Related Complaint. If you are still not satisfied, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman.

For more information, go to Service Complaints or see Booklet RC4420, Information on CRA-Service Complaints.

Your opinion counts

If you have comments or suggestions that could help us improve our publications, send them to:

Taxpayer Services Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
395 Terminal Avenue
Ottawa ON  K1A 0S5

Date Modified: 2012-12-07

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