Independent contractor agreement template
Companies hiring a freelancer often need an "independent contractor agreement" for their records. This one-page version covers what their finance team looks for without twelve pages of legalese.
The template
1. ServicesContractor will provide [services] as described in [the attached proposal / statement of work], starting [date].
2. PaymentCompany pays [amount / rate] per [project / hour], invoiced [on milestones / monthly], net [14]. Approved expenses are reimbursed at cost.
3. Independent contractorContractor is an independent contractor, not an employee, partner or agent. Contractor controls how and when the work is done, provides their own equipment, may work for others, and is responsible for their own taxes, insurance and benefits.
4. OwnershipWork product created for Company under this agreement belongs to Company on payment. Contractor keeps ownership of pre-existing materials and general know-how, licensed to Company as needed to use the work.
5. ConfidentialityContractor keeps Company's non-public information confidential during and after the engagement and returns or deletes it on request.
6. Term and terminationThis agreement continues until the services are complete or either party gives [14] days' written notice. Company pays for work performed to the termination date.
7. GeneralEach party is liable to the other only up to the fees paid under this agreement. This agreement is governed by the law of [state].
Paperwork produces the agreement, the SOW and every invoice from one form.Paperwork fills the proposal, contract, invoice, SOW, NDA and change order from one form, and your client signs from a link. $19 once. Try the free demo first.
Why companies ask for it
Finance and HR need a document showing the relationship is a contract, not employment, mainly for tax purposes. Clause 3 is the part they are checking for. Attach your proposal or SOW as the description of services so the money and scope live in one place.
Ownership on payment
Most company templates transfer ownership on creation. Yours should transfer on payment. It is the single most useful edit to any agreement a client sends you.