In this article, our McHenry County employment lawyers explain the difference between employees and independent contractors in Illinois. We explain the factors courts weigh to determine whether an agent is an employee or an independent contractor, including the extent of the employer's control over the work, the employer's right to terminate the employee, how payment works, whether taxes are deducted from payment, the level of skill required for the work, and whether the employer furnishes the tools required to perform the work.