Contractor Agreement Template

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A contractor agreement template for independent contractors, consultants, freelancers, and small service firms with clear deliverables, payment, and ownership terms.

Use this template to formalize work arrangements between a business and an independent contractor, including scope, payment schedule, intellectual property, and termination terms.

When To Use

Use when engaging a contractor for a fixed project, ongoing retainer, or variable services where written expectations are needed.

Template

CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

This Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [Date] by and between:

Company:
Name: [Company Name]
Address: [Company Address]
Contact: [Email / Phone]

and

Contractor:
Name: [Contractor Name]
Address: [Contractor Address]
Contact: [Email / Phone]

1. SERVICES
The Contractor agrees to provide the following services:

- [Detailed description of services]
- [Deliverables and milestones]
- [Any specified project phases]

2. TIMELINE
Start Date: [Date]
Completion Date: [Date] or ongoing until terminated by either party.
Milestones: [List key milestone dates or deliverables].

3. FEES AND PAYMENT
Payment Type:
[ ] Fixed fee: $[Amount]
[ ] Hourly rate: $[Amount] per hour
[ ] Retainer: $[Amount] per month

Payment Schedule:
- Deposit: $[Amount] due on signing
- Interim payment: $[Amount or Percentage] due on [Milestone/Date]
- Final payment: $[Amount] due upon delivery of final deliverables

Invoices are due within [Number] days of receipt. Late payments may incur [Percentage]% interest.

4. EXPENSES
The Company agrees to reimburse Contractor for pre-approved expenses, including:

- Travel and lodging
- Materials and subscriptions
- Third-party services

Expenses require receipts and prior approval for amounts above $[Amount].

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Contractor agrees that all work product and deliverables created under this Agreement are the exclusive property of the Company, except for Contractor's pre-existing intellectual property.

The Company receives a perpetual, worldwide license to use the deliverables for the intended business purpose.

6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS
Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee. Contractor is responsible for taxes, insurance, benefits, and compliance with applicable laws.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY
Contractor will keep confidential all non-public business information, trade secrets, and proprietary materials shared by the Company during the engagement.

8. TERMINATION
Either party may terminate this Agreement with [Number] days written notice. The Company will pay for work completed through the termination date.

9. WARRANTIES AND LIABILITY
Contractor warrants that services will be performed in a professional, workmanlike manner.

Contractor's liability is limited to the amount paid under this Agreement, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation or mediation before pursuing litigation.

11. MISCELLANEOUS
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Signatures:

Company Representative: __________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________
Date: ________________________________________

Contractor: _________________________________
Printed Name: _________________________________
Date: ________________________________________

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This template pairs well with the Freelance Starter Kit, which includes contracts, proposals, and invoice templates for freelancers and creators.

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Example

CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

Date: April 4, 2026

Company: BrightWave Digital LLC
Contractor: Sarah Kim

Services: UX design, website copy, and conversion optimization for the launch of a new product page.

Payment: $9,500 fixed fee, 30% deposit, 40% at design delivery, final 30% on launch.

Deliverables: homepage redesign, product landing page, two rounds of revisions, final delivery by May 20, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a contractor an employee?

No. A contractor is an independent business entity responsible for taxes, insurance, and their own equipment unless otherwise agreed.

What should the agreement cover?

Cover scope, payment, timelines, ownership, confidentiality, and termination terms.

Contractor Agreement Template

When To Use

Template

Want the complete freelance pack?

Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a contractor an employee?

What should the agreement cover?

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