What distinguishes an independent contractor from an agent?

An independent contractor is distinguished from an agent primarily by the nature of their relationship with the principal and the authority they hold. An agent has authority to act on behalf of the principal, which means they can enter into contracts, make decisions, and perform tasks in a manner that binds the principal. This authority is a fundamental characteristic of the agency relationship, providing the agent with the legal power to create obligations for the principal in dealings with third parties.

In contrast, an independent contractor operates independently and does not possess such authority to represent the principal. This means that while the principal may hire an independent contractor to perform specific services, the contractor does so under their own direction and does not have the legal ability to act on behalf of the principal in a binding way.

Other choices reflect different characteristics but do not accurately describe the essential distinction between an agent and an independent contractor. For instance, agents may indeed be supervised by their principals, and certain independent contractors may or may not require licenses, depending on the industry or profession. However, it is the authority an agent has to act for the principal that fundamentally distinguishes them from an independent contractor.