### Question
Can you define what independent contractor means?


### Answer
**Independent contractor** is defined as the following in *26 U.S.C. § 856*:

> any person—



(A) who does not own, directly or indirectly, more than 35 percent of the shares, or certificates of beneficial interest, in the real estate investment trust

#### Citation:
  - *26 U.S.C. § 856*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-Income Taxes > CHAPTER 1-NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXES > Subchapter M-Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts > PART II-REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS**

