OPERS Independent Contractor Form_fillable PDF Form (18).pdf

This document is an Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) Independent Contractor/Worker Acknowledgment form designed for individuals providing personal services to a public employer on or after January 7, 2013, who are not considered public employees. The form requires independent contractors to acknowledge their classification and understand that no retirement system contributions will be made for their services. Contractors must complete this form within 30 days of beginning work for a public employer.

The form outlines specific criteria for independent contractor status, including being party to a bilateral agreement, being paid a fee or contractual payment, not being eligible for employee benefits, not appearing on a public employer's payroll, providing personal supplies and equipment, and receiving an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 for tax reporting. The document explains that independent contractors are not public employees and cannot become retirement system contributors. It also warns that contractors may be ineligible for certain medical and retirement benefits, and that failure to acknowledge their status could potentially extend their right to request a determination of employment classification beyond the standard five-year period.