Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) Program
Applications and renewals must be completed online using the links above.
For assistance, please contact us at DLIERDICCR@MT.GOV or (406) 444-7734.
Becoming an Independent Contractor
What is an Independent Contractor?
An independent contractor in Montana is a person who renders service in the course of an occupation and:
- has been and will continue to be free from control or direction over the performance of the services, both under a contract and in fact; and
- is engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business.
Additionally, an independent contractor must obtain either an independent contractor exemption certificate or self-elected coverage under a Montana workers’ compensation insurance policy. Refer to MCA, 39-71-417
A worker must be:
- Free from control or direction from hiring agent.
- Engaged in their own independently established business, occupation, trade, or profession.
- Covered under a self-elected workers' compensation insurance policy or obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC).
How to obtain an ICEC
- A test is not required to qualify for the ICEC.
- Submit your application online by selecting Apply for a License and paying the non-refundable $125 fee.
- Submit business documentation with your online application that demonstrates you have an established business for each occupation listed on your application.
Independent contractors can be fined up to $5,000 per violation for:
- Performing work without an ICEC or workers compensation coverage;
- Performing work with a revoked or suspended ICEC;
- Transferring their ICEC to another person; or
- Misrepresentation of the independent contractor status.