Which of the following is considered "unlawful conduct" in contracting?

Acting as a contractor without being licensed is considered "unlawful conduct" because most jurisdictions require contractors to obtain specific licenses to legally perform contracting work. Licensing ensures that individuals have met certain standards of education, experience, and legal knowledge, which protects the public's interest. When someone operates as a contractor without this required license, they are violating these regulations. This can lead to penalties, including fines and the inability to enforce unlicensed contracts in court.

In contrast, negotiating contracts, filing taxes late, and subcontracting work are generally legal activities if done within the appropriate legal frameworks and regulations. Negotiating contracts is a fundamental part of business that allows parties to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Filing taxes late, while not ideal and potentially subject to fines, is not categorized directly under contracting laws. Subcontracting is a common practice in the contracting industry that involves hiring another contractor to complete part of a project and is typically legal and accepted in the construction business.