INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
Starter template — review and adapt before use
This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of the date of the last signature below (the "Effective Date") between the Client and the Contractor named below.
1. The Parties
Client (Company/Individual Name):
Client Address:
Contractor (Company/Individual Name):
Contractor Address:
2. Services
The Contractor will provide the following services (the "Services"):
Description of Services:
Start Date:
End Date (or "ongoing until terminated"):
3. Payment
Rate (hourly, daily, or fixed fee, with currency):
Invoicing Frequency:
Payment Due (days after invoice):
The Contractor will submit invoices describing the Services performed. The Client will pay undisputed invoices within the period stated above. The Contractor is responsible for its own expenses unless the Client agrees in writing in advance to reimburse them.
4. Independent Contractor Relationship
The Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Contractor controls the manner and means of performing the Services, provides its own tools and equipment, and is solely responsible for its own taxes, insurance, and any statutory contributions or registrations required where it operates. Nothing in this Agreement entitles the Contractor to employee benefits from the Client.
5. Confidentiality
The Contractor will keep confidential all non-public information it receives from the Client in connection with the Services, use it only to perform the Services, and return or destroy it when this Agreement ends.
6. Work Product
Unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing, deliverables created by the Contractor specifically for the Client under this Agreement, once paid for in full, belong to the Client. The Contractor keeps ownership of its pre-existing tools, materials, and know-how, and grants the Client a license to use them as part of the deliverables.
7. Termination
Notice Period for Termination (days):
Either Party may end this Agreement by giving written notice of the period stated above, or immediately if the other Party materially breaches it and does not fix the breach within a reasonable time after notice. The Client will pay for Services properly performed up to the termination date.
8. Governing Law and General Provisions
Governing Law (state/country whose law applies):
This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties about the Services and replaces any earlier understanding. Any change must be in writing and signed by both Parties. If any provision is found unenforceable, the rest of the Agreement remains in effect.
9. Signatures
By signing below, each Party agrees to the terms of this Agreement.
Client
Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:
Contractor
Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:
This is a general starting point provided by SignNinja, not legal advice. Whether someone is legally a contractor or an employee depends on the facts and on local law, and getting it wrong can have tax and employment consequences. Have this reviewed by a qualified professional before relying on it.