Service Agreements & Contracts

Free Independent Contractor Agreement Template (PDF)

An independent contractor agreement formally establishes that someone is engaged as a 1099 contractor, not an employee — covering classification, control of work, payment, and who owns the work product once it's paid for.

When to use it

Use this whenever you're engaging an independent contractor and want the classification terms on record — it's the document that actually protects a business if a contractor relationship is ever challenged as misclassified employment, and it's standard practice before any contractor starts real work.

What's typically included

• Engagement description
• Classification (contractor, not employee)
• Control of work (contractor sets their own manner and means)
• Own tools & equipment
• No employee benefits
• Right to work for others
• Compensation
• Term and termination
• Work product and IP assignment
• Confidentiality
• Limitation of liability
• Governing law

How to fill it in

• This template includes a required attachment field for the contractor's W-9 — have that ready before sending, since the document can't be completed without it.
• Fill in compensation as a specific rate or flat fee and specific payment timing, not "to be determined" — vague payment terms are the most common cause of contractor payment disputes.
• Make sure the actual working relationship matches what this agreement says (the contractor sets their own hours and methods) — classification terms on paper don't override how the relationship actually functions in practice.

This template is a general starting point, not legal advice — customize it and have it reviewed for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Does signing this agreement guarantee the IRS will treat someone as a contractor, not an employee?

No single document guarantees a classification — the IRS and state agencies look at the actual working relationship (control, tools, exclusivity), not just what the contract says. This agreement is standard practice and helps establish intent, but it works best paired with a working relationship that matches it.

Is an electronically signed contractor agreement legally binding?

Yes, under the U.S. ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, an electronic signature is just as binding as one on paper.

Why does this template require a W-9 attachment?

A W-9 is standard paperwork for paying a U.S. contractor and reporting payments — attaching it here means it's collected before work starts rather than chased down separately at tax time.