Getting started as an independent contractor — onboarding checklist

Last updated: July 30, 2026

Applies to: independent contractors — US (1099) and international. W-2 employees have a different checklist (I-9, W-4, benefits) — see Getting started — your onboarding checklist.

Summary: Your IC onboarding has five main steps: confirm your details, complete business verification (KYB), sign your independent contractor agreement, complete your tax form — a W-9 if you're US-based, a W-8BEN (individual) or W-8BEN-E (entity) if you're outside the US — and add your banking information. You can't be paid until the tax form and banking steps are complete, so do them promptly.

The steps

1. Acknowledge and confirm your details

Accept the onboarding invite at app.ascen.com and complete your personal information (and your business/entity name, if you operate through one).

2. Business verification (KYB)

KYB — "Know Your Business" — is the business equivalent of an identity check. Because you're being engaged (and paid) as a business rather than employed as an individual, we're required to verify who we're doing business with before money moves. Depending on how you operate, that means:

  • Sole proprietors / individuals: verifying your identity.

  • Companies (LLC, corporation, etc.): verifying the business itself — its legal details and registration — and identifying its ultimate beneficial owners (the real people who own or control the company). You may be asked for ownership information as part of this.

This is a standard, legally driven step (the same kind of check banks run) that protects everyone against fraud and keeps contractor payments compliant. It usually takes minutes; if anything needs a second look you'll be contacted for more information.

3. Sign your independent contractor agreement

Review and sign your IC agreement (plus any additional agreements your assignment requires, such as a background-check authorization). This is the contract that sets your terms — including your payment (net) terms; see How independent contractors are paid (net terms).

4. Complete your tax form

Which form depends on where you're based:

  • US contractors: complete a Form W-9 — your legal name/entity and taxpayer ID, used to report your payments on a 1099-NEC. → How do I fill out my US contractor tax form (W-9)?

  • Outside the US: complete a W-8BEN (if you contract as an individual) or W-8BEN-E (if you contract through an entity) to certify your foreign status. → How do I fill out my foreign contractor tax form (W-8BEN)?

Payments are blocked until a valid tax form is on file — this is the most common reason a first payment is delayed.

5. Add your banking information

Enter the account where you want to be paid. International contractors: make sure the account can receive transfers in your country — see Which countries does Ascen support (and which are excluded)?

After onboarding

  • Depending on the assignment, a background check or screening may also be required — see Why is the background check taking longer than expected?

  • Your pay runs on the net terms in your agreement, per approved work period — see How independent contractors are paid (net terms).

  • Am I an employee or an independent contractor?

  • How do I fill out my US contractor tax form (W-9)? / How do I fill out my foreign contractor tax form (W-8BEN)?

  • How independent contractors are paid (net terms)

  • When will I get my 1099-NEC? (US)