Download Free Independent Contractor Agreement Templates for Different Services

This page features free independent contractor agreement templates for a variety of services — including IT, design, marketing, consulting, maintenance, and more. Each template is customized for all 50 U.S. states, ensuring compliance with local laws and giving you flexibility to define project scope, payment terms, and responsibilities across different regions.

Select independent contractor agreement Templates by Type

Please choose the independent contractor agreement template that best fits your service arrangement. Each template is available for all 50 U.S. states to ensure compliance with local laws and to clearly define project scope, payment terms, and responsibilities.

General Independent Contractor

  • Independent Contractor Agreement

    An Independent Contractor Agreement is used to define project scope, payment terms, deliverables, and confidentiality obligations when hiring freelancers or external contractors.

Consulting Independent Contractor

  • Consulting Independent Contractor Agreement

    A Consulting Independent Contractor Agreement defines the terms of engagement with external consultants, covering project scope, deliverables, fees, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws.

IT Independent Contractor

  • IT Independent Contractor Agreement

    An IT Independent Contractor Agreement sets out the terms for hiring freelance developers, system administrators, or IT specialists, including project scope, technical deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and data security obligations.

Design Independent Contractor

  • Design Independent Contractor Agreement

    A Design Independent Contractor Agreement outlines the terms for working with freelance designers, covering project scope, creative deliverables, timelines, payment structure, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality.

Marketing Independent Contractor

  • Marketing Independent Contractor Agreement

    A Marketing Independent Contractor Agreement defines the terms for hiring freelance marketers or agencies, including campaign objectives, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, content ownership, and confidentiality obligations.

Creative Independent Contractor

  • Creative Independent Contractor Agreement

    A Creative Independent Contractor Agreement sets out the terms for working with freelance creatives, such as writers, artists, and content creators. It covers project scope, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality.

Construction Independent Contractor

  • Construction Independent Contractor Agreement

    A Construction Independent Contractor Agreement defines the terms for working with builders, subcontractors, or construction specialists. It covers project scope, materials, safety standards, timelines, payment terms, and dispute resolution.

Maintenance Independent Contractor

  • Maintenance Independent Contractor Agreement

    A Maintenance Independent Contractor Agreement is designed for hiring professionals to perform equipment repair, facility upkeep, and regular inspections. It defines service scope, response times, safety compliance, compensation, and termination terms.

Accounting Independent Contractor

  • Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement

    An Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement is suitable for hiring accountants or bookkeepers to manage financial records, prepare reports, handle tax filings, and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

HR Independent Contractor

  • HR Independent Contractor Agreement

    An HR Independent Contractor Agreement is ideal for hiring human resources professionals to support recruitment, manage employee records, coordinate training, and assist with HR compliance and policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are independent contractor agreements required by law in the United States?

Independent contractor agreements are not always legally required, but having a written agreement is strongly recommended. It defines the scope of services, payment terms, and responsibilities, helping to avoid disputes and clarify the independent relationship.

What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?

Employees typically work under the direct control of the employer, receive benefits, and are subject to payroll taxes. Independent contractors, however, control how the work is performed, pay their own taxes, and usually do not receive employee benefits.

Do independent contractor agreements need to comply with state law?

Yes. Contractor classification and contract terms may vary by state. Some states have strict tests (like the ABC test) to determine whether a worker qualifies as an independent contractor. Our templates provide state-specific versions to help with compliance.

Can I use the same contractor agreement for different services?

Yes. We provide templates for consulting, IT, design, marketing, construction, maintenance, accounting, HR, and more. You can adapt the agreement to the type of service provided, while ensuring it aligns with state law.

How do I download and edit these contractor templates?

Click on the desired service type and state on this page to access the template. All agreements are available for download in Word format, so you can easily customize and finalize them for your project.

Independent Contractor Agreement Filling Guide

This section provides a detailed guide for filling out independent contractor agreements, helping you understand each clause and ensuring accurate information entry that protects both the client and the contractor.

Key Points for Filling Out:

  • Client Information: Accurately fill in the client’s full legal name, business entity type, registered address, and contact details.
  • Contractor Information: Provide the contractor’s full name (or business name), address, tax identification number, and contact information.
  • Scope of Work: Clearly describe the services to be provided, expected deliverables, milestones, and performance standards.
  • Contract Term: Specify the start date and, if applicable, the end date of the agreement or the project completion timeline.
  • Work Method and Location: State whether the work will be performed remotely, on-site, or hybrid, while clarifying that the contractor controls the method of performing the work.
  • Compensation: Define the payment terms—such as fixed fee, hourly rate, or per-project basis—as well as the payment schedule and method.
  • Expenses: Indicate whether the client will reimburse certain expenses (e.g., travel, equipment) or if the contractor is fully responsible for costs.
  • Independent Status: Clarify that the contractor is not an employee, receives no employee benefits, and is responsible for their own taxes and insurance.
  • Confidentiality and Intellectual Property: Include clauses on confidentiality, ownership of work product, and intellectual property rights as needed.
  • Termination: Define the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement, such as breach, non-performance, or completion of the project.
  • Dispute Resolution: Specify how disputes will be resolved (negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation) and under which state’s jurisdiction.