When you need an independent contractor agreement
Use this agreement when a business brings in a self-employed person or company for ongoing or longer work, for example a developer on a monthly retainer, a bookkeeper, a virtual assistant or a consultant.
It makes clear that the contractor runs their own business: they decide how the work is done, pay their own taxes and can work for other clients. For a single project with set deliverables, the freelance contract may fit better.
What this agreement covers
- Who the company and the contractor are.
- The services, the start date and whether the work is ongoing or ends on a set date.
- Hourly, fixed or monthly pay, invoicing and payment terms.
- Independent contractor status, taxes, equipment and insurance.
- Ownership of the work once it is paid for.
- Confidentiality and the return of company property.
- Notice period and ending the agreement.
- Governing law, disputes and signature blocks.
How to use the Independent Contractor Agreement Generator
- Fill in the company and the contractor.
- Describe the services and choose ongoing or a set end date.
- Pick how the contractor is paid and when invoices are due.
- Choose the notice period and the governing country.
- Check the preview, download the PDF and send it for signature.
Frequently asked questions
Is this independent contractor agreement legally binding?
An agreement is usually binding once both sides agree to it and sign it, but rules differ from country to country. Whether someone counts as a contractor or an employee also depends on how the work happens in practice, not only on the contract. This is a template for general use, not legal advice.
What is the difference between a contractor and an employee?
A contractor runs their own business: they decide how and when to do the work, use their own equipment, send invoices, pay their own taxes and can work for other clients. An employee works under the employer's direction and is on the payroll.
What should an independent contractor agreement include?
The parties, the services, the term, the pay and invoicing, contractor status, taxes and benefits, ownership of the work, confidentiality, the notice period, the governing law and signatures.
Does this agreement stop the contractor working for others?
No. This template has no clause that limits who else the contractor can work for. The contractor stays free to work for other clients, while keeping the company's information confidential.
Do you store what I type?
No. The agreement is built entirely in your browser. Your draft is saved only in this browser on this device so a refresh does not lose it. We measure visits and downloads with analytics tools, which never see what you type.
Can we sign the agreement online?
Yes. Download the PDF for free, or use the "Send this for e-signature" button to send it with CloveDesk and get a signed copy with an audit trail.
Made for freelancers and small teams
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Get your agreement signed online
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Send this for e-signatureTemplate for general use, not legal advice. CloveDesk is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Laws differ between countries and situations; for anything important, ask a qualified lawyer.