Independent Contractor Agreement

What Is an Independent Contractor Agreement?

An independent contractor agreement formalizes the relationship between a business and a service provider when the business wishes to control only the result of the work, not how it is done.

This contract clarifies expectations about duties, scope of work, pricing and deliverables. It also protects both parties by addressing confidentiality, ownership of work product and liability. By documenting these points, you avoid ambiguity and reduce the risk of misclassification as an employee.

When to Use This Agreement

Use an independent contractor agreement whenever the work is being done by a freelancer, consultant, or other non‑employee for their client as a project or ongoing services. Examples include hiring a tradesman, graphic designer, marketing consultant, or researcher. The agreement confirms that the contractor is responsible for deciding how to perform the work while delivering the agreed‑upon results.

Key Elements

• Scope of Services: Define the tasks, deliverables and deadlines for the project.
• Payment Terms: Outline how and when the contractor will be compensated (hourly, per project, milestone).
• Independent Status: Confirm that the contractor controls the manner and means of performing the work and is responsible for taxes and benefits.
• Confidentiality & IP: Include provisions to protect confidential information and specify ownership of work product.
• Term & Termination: Set the start date, duration and conditions under which either party may end the agreement.

Our independent contractor agreement template has been crafted by experienced attorneys to be balanced and fair. It helps you clearly define responsibilities while preserving the contractor’s autonomy.

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