Freelance Contract Template WORD

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SERVICES AGREEMENT

Document ID: TR-[1099-SRV-2026]
Effective Date: [____/____/2026]

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

• Completion: Both the Hiring Entity and the Contractor must review all terms, fill in the bracketed fields, and append a detailed Scope of Work (SOW).
• Retention: Signed agreements must be stored in a secure, encrypted digital repository or physical fireproof safe for a minimum of 7 years post-termination for tax/audit purposes.
• Attachments: Mandatory attachments include Exhibit A (Scope of Work), Exhibit B (Fee Schedule), and, where applicable, an executed Proprietary Information & Inventions Agreement (PIIA).

1. PARTIES

This Agreement is entered into by and between: Hiring Entity: [__________] ("Company")
Contractor: [__________] ("Contractor")
Contractor Address: [__________]

2. SERVICES & PERFORMANCE

Contractor agrees to perform the following services as further detailed in Exhibit A:

• Project Title: [__________]
• Start Date: [____/____/2026]
• Estimated Completion: [____/____/2026]

3. COMPENSATION

Company shall pay Contractor for services rendered as follows:

• Payment Rate: [__________]
• Payment Frequency: [ ] Weekly [ ] Bi-weekly [ ] Upon Milestone [ ] Net-30
• Invoicing Requirements: Contractor shall submit itemized invoices to: [__________]

4. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS

The parties agree that Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee.

• Contractor shall provide their own equipment.
• Contractor is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
• Contractor is not entitled to Company benefits (e.g., insurance, retirement plans).

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & CONFIDENTIALITY

All work product, inventions, designs, or developments created by the Contractor during the term of this Agreement ("Work Product") shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company as a "work made for hire." Contractor agrees to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all non-public Company information.

6. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement:

• For Convenience: With [____] days' written notice.
• For Cause: Immediately upon written notice in the event of a material breach by the other party.

7. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [__________]. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved via binding arbitration in [__________].

EXECUTION

The parties hereby execute this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

HIRING ENTITY (COMPANY)
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.