Definition: In 2017, the IRS issued a final rule that made it possible for an independent insurance agency to be treated as an individual under Section 607 (c)(9) of Title II of the Internal Revenue Code, which establishes an exemption from federal income tax for individuals who are self-employed or engaged in activities that are not business enterprises. The final rule established a definition of an independent insurance agency that includes entities that engage in both insurance and non-insurance services to the same customers. This means that an independent insurance agency is considered a separate entity with its own tax return, separate from that of its insurer parent company, which may be required to file Schedule F as part of its 2017 tax filing due date. The definition also includes entities that provide services on their own behalf, rather than in the role of an independent agent. This includes entities such as broker-dealers or financial advisors who sell insurance products on their own behalf. In addition, the rule excludes companies that are not owned by individuals and are not engaged in the business activities described above. Overall, the final rule provides relief for those self-employed individuals who want to avoid having a separate income tax return from an entity that may be required to file Schedule F. The exemption is temporary until 2018 but is intended to provide some certainty for many businesses and individuals.