A Q&A guide to state law on independent contractor status for private employers in Michigan. This Q&A addresses how independent contractors are classified under state law, including the various tests to evaluate worker status, penalties for misclassification, and practices to avoid misclassification. Federal, local, or municipal law may impose additional or different requirements. Answers to questions can be compared across a number of jurisdictions (see Independent Contractors: Q&A Tool).

A growing number of states and the federal government have expanded unemployment benefits to include independent contractors and gig workers unable to work due to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. For ongoing updates to state employment laws, including unemployment insurance, in response to COVID-19, see COVID-19: Employment Law and Development Tracker: State Laws and Directives. For more information on the expanded benefits available under the federal CARES Act, see Practice Note, Employee Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance Benefits: Extended Unemployment Insurance Benefits Under the CARES Act.