Basic Freelance Contract Template

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SERVICES AGREEMENT

Document ID: TR-GEN-2026-001
Effective Date: [____/____/2026]

Instructions for Use

• Completion: This document must be completed by the Hiring Party and the Contractor. Both parties must initial each page and sign the final section.
• Filing/Retention: Both parties shall retain a fully executed digital or physical copy for a minimum of seven (7) years following the termination of the agreement for tax and audit compliance.
• Mandatory Attachments: Ensure a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) is attached as Exhibit A, outlining specific deliverables, milestones, and payment schedules.

1. PARTIES

This Agreement is entered into by and between:

• Hiring Party: [__________] (Company Name/Individual)
• Contractor: [__________] (Legal Name)
• Address: [__________]

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to provide the following services:

• Primary Objective: [__________]
• Specific Deliverables: See attached Exhibit A (SOW).
• Performance Standard: The Contractor shall perform services in a professional manner consistent with industry standards.

3. TERM AND TERMINATION

• Term: This Agreement commences on [____/____/2026] and ends on [____/____/2026], unless terminated earlier.
• Termination for Convenience: Either party may terminate this agreement with [__________] days written notice.
• Termination for Cause: Either party may terminate immediately upon a material breach by the other party.

4. COMPENSATION

• Fee Structure: [ ] Hourly [ ] Flat Fee [ ] Milestone-based
• Amount: [__________] (USD)
• Payment Terms: Net [__________] days upon receipt of an undisputed invoice.

5. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS

The Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee. The Contractor is solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes, insurance, and benefits. The Hiring Party will not provide worker's compensation, disability insurance, or unemployment insurance.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & CONFIDENTIALITY

• Work Product: All work product created under this Agreement shall be considered "work made for hire" and shall remain the sole property of the Hiring Party.
• Confidentiality: Contractor agrees to protect all proprietary information disclosed by the Hiring Party during the term of this engagement.

7. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State/Province of [__________].

8. EXECUTION

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

Hiring Party Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: [__________]
Title: [__________]
Date: [____/____/2026]

Contractor Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: [__________]
Title: [__________]
Date: [____/____/2026]

Disclaimer: This document is provided as a standardized framework. Consult qualified legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific statutory compliance.