Indiana accounting independent contractor agreement template

Indiana Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement

This Indiana Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and effective as of [Date], by and between:

• [Client Name], located at [Client Address], ([Client City], Indiana [Client Zip Code]), hereinafter referred to as “Client,”

and

• [Contractor Name], located at [Contractor Address], ([Contractor City], Indiana [Contractor Zip Code]), hereinafter referred to as “Contractor.”

1. Scope of Services

The Contractor agrees to perform the following accounting services for the Client:

• Option A: Broad Scope:
• Provide a comprehensive range of accounting services including, but not limited to, bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, audits, tax preparation and filing (federal and Indiana state and local), payroll processing, compliance consulting (including Indiana-specific regulatory compliance), internal control assessments, and client representation before the Indiana Department of Revenue or federal tax authorities.
• Option B: Limited Scope:
• Specifically, the Contractor shall provide [Description of Specific Services, e.g., monthly bookkeeping services, preparation of annual Indiana state income tax return].
• Option C: Project-Based Scope:
• The Contractor shall complete the following project: [Detailed Description of Project, e.g., implementation of a new accounting software system].

The Contractor shall deliver the following deliverables: [List of Deliverables, e.g., monthly financial statements, completed tax return]. Deliverables shall meet the following standards: [Description of Standards, e.g., GAAP compliance, accuracy, timeliness]. Milestones and deadlines are as follows: [Schedule of Milestones and Deadlines]. Reporting requirements are: [Description of Reporting Requirements, Frequency, and Format].

2. Work Location and Resources

The Contractor shall perform the services as follows:

• Option A: Remote Work:
• The Contractor shall perform the services remotely from the Contractor's location.
• Option B: Client Site:
• The Contractor shall perform the services at the Client's office located at [Client Address].
• Option C: Hybrid:
• The Contractor shall perform services both remotely and at the Client's office as needed, to be determined by the Client.

The Client will provide the following resources to the Contractor: [List of Resources, e.g., access to accounting software, relevant documents, secure remote access]. Any electronic records or data handling must comply with applicable Indiana electronic records or data handling standards.

3. Compensation

The Client shall compensate the Contractor as follows:

• Option A: Hourly Rate:
• The Contractor shall be paid at an hourly rate of [Dollar Amount] per hour.
• Option B: Project-Based Fee:
• The Contractor shall be paid a fixed fee of [Dollar Amount] for the completion of the project described in Section 1.
• Option C: Retainer Fee:
• The Contractor shall be paid a retainer fee of [Dollar Amount] per [Month/Quarter].

Invoicing frequency: [Frequency, e.g., Bi-weekly, Monthly]. Invoices shall include the following documentation: [List of Required Documentation]. Method of payment: [Method, e.g., Check, ACH Transfer]. The Contractor is responsible for reporting and paying all applicable Indiana state and local taxes, including Indiana gross receipts tax, county income tax, or local business taxes. Late payment interest or penalties shall be [Percentage] per month, compliant with Indiana law.

4. Ownership and Confidentiality

All work product, analyses, financial documentation, and client-provided data shall be the property of the Client.

• Option A: Standard Confidentiality:
• The Contractor agrees to hold all client information confidential and to comply with all applicable confidentiality and privacy obligations, including adherence to Indiana-specific requirements for financial data privacy.
• Option B: Expanded Confidentiality:
• In addition to standard confidentiality, the Contractor agrees to [Specific Confidentiality Requirements, e.g., sign a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement, undergo background check].

The Contractor shall adhere to Indiana-specific requirements for financial data privacy, storage, and destruction of records consistent with Indiana UETA and other local data retention rules.

5. Independent Contractor Status

The parties agree that the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee or partner of the Client. This Agreement does not create an employment or partnership relationship. The Contractor is responsible for their own federal, Indiana state, and applicable local tax filings, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation (if applicable). The Contractor confirms they comply with Indiana Secretary of State registration and possess any required accounting professional licenses or designations (such as CPA status).

6. Liability and Indemnification

The Contractor shall be liable for professional errors, malpractice, or omissions, breach of confidentiality, and failure to meet regulatory deadlines.

• Option A: Limited Liability:
• The Contractor's liability shall be limited to [Dollar Amount].
• Option B: Standard Indemnification:
• The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Client from any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to the Contractor's performance of services under this Agreement.

The Contractor shall maintain professional liability/E&O insurance coverage with limits of at least [Dollar Amount]. Compliance with Indiana negligence or gross negligence standards is required.

7. Recordkeeping and Data Access

The Contractor shall maintain accurate and complete records of all work performed under this Agreement. The Client shall have the right to audit such records. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Contractor shall promptly return or destroy all client records in accordance with Indiana state regulations, including the Indiana Board of Accountancy record guidelines.

8. Termination

This Agreement shall terminate upon the completion of the services described in Section 1, or upon [Number] days written notice by either party.

• Option A: Termination for Cause:
• The Client may terminate this Agreement immediately for cause, including but not limited to violation of state ethical standards or noncompliance with Indiana licensing laws.
• Option B: Termination Without Cause:
• Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon providing [Number] days written notice.

Upon termination, the Contractor shall provide a final settlement or payment statement, transfer all deliverables to the Client, and continue to comply with all confidentiality and non-solicitation obligations. Any restrictive covenants are subject to Indiana public policy limits.

9. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved as follows:

• Option A: Negotiation:
• The parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation.
• Option B: Mediation:
• If negotiation is unsuccessful, the parties shall submit the dispute to mediation in [City], Indiana.
• Option C: Arbitration:
• If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in [City], Indiana, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana. Venue and jurisdiction shall be in the courts of [County] County, Indiana.

10. Compliance with Laws

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state (Indiana), and local laws and regulations, including ethical codes of conduct promulgated by the Indiana CPA Society or similar organizations. The Contractor shall maintain ongoing professional licensure and continuing education as mandated by the Indiana Board of Accountancy. The Contractor shall comply with Indiana anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, and consumer protection statutes as applicable to accounting services.

11. Electronic Signatures and Notices

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures shall be valid and binding in accordance with Indiana’s Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by electronic mail to the addresses set forth above.

12. Representations and Warranties

Each party represents and warrants to the other that it has the legal right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The Contractor warrants that they possess valid licensure to perform accounting services in Indiana. The Client warrants that they have the authority to provide confidential financial data to the Contractor.

13. Insurance

The Contractor shall maintain the following insurance coverage: [List Insurance Requirements, e.g., Professional Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance (if applicable)], including minimum coverage levels and Indiana-specific insurance carrier requirements.

14. Background Checks and References (Optional)

The Client may require the Contractor to undergo a background check or provide professional references.

15. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck from this Agreement and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be modified as narrowly as possible to comply with Indiana law.

16. Amendments and Waivers

All amendments, waivers, and addenda to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties, consistent with Indiana contract formalities and enforceability standards.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

[Client Name]

By: [Client Signature]

[Printed Name]

[Contractor Name]

By: [Contractor Signature]

[Printed Name]