Freelance contract templates for businesses hiring contractors and freelancers issuing their own agreements. Add merge fields, generate a completed Word document in seconds, and keep every version in one shared workspace.
Freelance Contract
This Freelance Contract (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] by and between [Client legal name or company name], a [e.g. corporation, LLC, limited company] with its principal place of business at [Client address] (the "Client") and [Freelancer name or company name], a [e.g. individual, LLC, sole trader] of [Freelancer address] (the "Freelancer").
Services and Deliverables
Services
The Client engages the Freelancer to perform the following services (the "Services"):
[Description of services]
Deliverables
The Freelancer shall deliver the following deliverables (the "Deliverables"):
[List of deliverables]
Each Deliverable shall conform to the specifications agreed between the Parties and shall be submitted in the following format(s): [File formats and submission method].
Notification
The Freelancer shall notify the Client promptly of any circumstances that may affect the quality or timing of the Deliverables.
Timeline
Commencement
Work shall commence on [Project Start Date].
Deadline
All Deliverables shall be completed and submitted by [Project End Date].
Timeline Adjustments
If the Client requires changes that extend the scope of work, the timeline shall be adjusted by written agreement between the Parties.
Fees and Payment
Project Fee
The Client shall pay the Freelancer a total project fee of [Currency and amount — e.g. USD 5,000] (the "Project Fee") for the Services.
Payment Schedule
The Project Fee shall be paid as follows:
- [Deposit amount or percentage] due on signing of this Agreement
- [Balance amount or percentage] due on [Payment trigger — e.g. delivery and acceptance of final Deliverables]
Invoicing
The Freelancer shall submit invoices to the Client at the payment stages set out above. Invoices are due and payable within [Payment terms in days — e.g. 14 or 30] days of the invoice date.
Expenses
Any pre-approved expenses incurred by the Freelancer in the performance of the Services shall be reimbursed by the Client within [Reimbursement period in days] days of submission of supporting receipts.
Late Payment
Amounts not paid by the due date shall accrue interest at [Late payment rate — e.g. 1.5%] per month on the outstanding balance.
Revisions
Included Revisions
The Project Fee includes up to [Number of revision rounds — e.g. two (2)] rounds of revisions per Deliverable.
Additional Revisions
Revisions requested beyond this limit shall be quoted and agreed in writing before the additional work commences.
Intellectual Property
Assignment
Upon receipt of full payment of the Project Fee, the Freelancer assigns to the Client all rights, title, and interest in the Deliverables, including all intellectual property rights.
Warranty
The Freelancer warrants that the Deliverables are original works and that their use by the Client will not infringe any third-party rights.
Background IP
The Freelancer retains all rights in pre-existing tools, templates, and methodologies developed independently of this Agreement ("Background IP") and grants the Client a non-exclusive, perpetual licence to use any Background IP incorporated in the Deliverables.
Independent Contractor
The Freelancer is an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between the Parties. The Freelancer is solely responsible for all applicable taxes and statutory obligations arising from this engagement.
Confidentiality
The Freelancer agrees to keep confidential all non-public information received from the Client in connection with this Agreement and to use such information solely for the purposes of performing the Services. This obligation shall survive completion or termination of the Agreement.
Termination
Termination for Convenience
The Client may terminate this Agreement for convenience on [Notice period in days — e.g. 7] days' written notice. In the event of termination for convenience, the Client shall pay the Freelancer for all work completed to the date of termination.
Termination for Breach
Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately on written notice if the other Party commits a material breach and fails to remedy it within [Cure period in days — e.g. 7] days of written notice.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Governing law — state or jurisdiction].
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions and representations. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
| [[Client Name]] | [[Freelancer Name]] |
| Signature: ___________________________ | Signature: ___________________________ |
| Name: [Client signatory name] | Name: [[Freelancer Name]] |
| Title: [Client signatory title] | |
| Date: ________________________________ | Date: ________________________________ |
This Freelance Contract (the "Agreement") is entered into as of Effective Date by and between Client legal name or company name, a e.g. corporation, LLC, limited company with its principal place of business at Client address (the "Client") and Freelancer name or company name, a e.g. individual, LLC, sole trader of Freelancer address (the "Freelancer").
The Client engages the Freelancer to perform the following services (the "Services"):
Description of services
The Freelancer shall deliver the following deliverables (the "Deliverables"):
List of deliverables
Each Deliverable shall conform to the specifications agreed between the Parties and shall be submitted in the following format(s): File formats and submission method.
The Freelancer shall notify the Client promptly of any circumstances that may affect the quality or timing of the Deliverables.
Work shall commence on Project Start Date.
All Deliverables shall be completed and submitted by Project End Date.
If the Client requires changes that extend the scope of work, the timeline shall be adjusted by written agreement between the Parties.
The Client shall pay the Freelancer a total project fee of Currency and amount — e.g. USD 5,000 (the "Project Fee") for the Services.
The Project Fee shall be paid as follows:
- Deposit amount or percentage due on signing of this Agreement
- Balance amount or percentage due on Payment trigger — e.g. delivery and acceptance of final Deliverables
The Freelancer shall submit invoices to the Client at the payment stages set out above. Invoices are due and payable within Payment terms in days — e.g. 14 or 30 days of the invoice date.
Any pre-approved expenses incurred by the Freelancer in the performance of the Services shall be reimbursed by the Client within Reimbursement period in days days of submission of supporting receipts.
Amounts not paid by the due date shall accrue interest at Late payment rate — e.g. 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance.
The Project Fee includes up to Number of revision rounds — e.g. two (2) rounds of revisions per Deliverable.
Revisions requested beyond this limit shall be quoted and agreed in writing before the additional work commences.
Upon receipt of full payment of the Project Fee, the Freelancer assigns to the Client all rights, title, and interest in the Deliverables, including all intellectual property rights.
The Freelancer warrants that the Deliverables are original works and that their use by the Client will not infringe any third-party rights.
The Freelancer retains all rights in pre-existing tools, templates, and methodologies developed independently of this Agreement ("Background IP") and grants the Client a non-exclusive, perpetual licence to use any Background IP incorporated in the Deliverables.
The Freelancer is an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between the Parties. The Freelancer is solely responsible for all applicable taxes and statutory obligations arising from this engagement.
The Freelancer agrees to keep confidential all non-public information received from the Client in connection with this Agreement and to use such information solely for the purposes of performing the Services. This obligation shall survive completion or termination of the Agreement.
The Client may terminate this Agreement for convenience on Notice period in days — e.g. 7 days' written notice. In the event of termination for convenience, the Client shall pay the Freelancer for all work completed to the date of termination.
Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately on written notice if the other Party commits a material breach and fails to remedy it within Cure period in days — e.g. 7 days of written notice.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Governing law — state or jurisdiction.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions and representations. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
| =[Client Name] | =[Freelancer Name] |
| Signature: ___________________________ | Signature: ___________________________ |
| Name: Client signatory name | Name: =[Freelancer Name] |
| Title: Client signatory title | |
| Date: ________________________________ | Date: ________________________________ |
Freelance Contract
This Freelance Contract (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] by and between [Freelancer name or company name], trading as / of [Freelancer trading name or address] (the "Freelancer") and [Client legal name or company name], a [e.g. corporation, LLC, limited company] with its principal place of business at [Client address] (the "Client").
Project and Scope of Work
Services
The Freelancer agrees to provide the following services to the Client (the "Services"):
[Description of services]
Deliverables
The Freelancer will deliver the following (the "Deliverables"):
[List of deliverables]
Variations
Any work outside the scope described above is a variation. Variations must be requested in writing and confirmed with a separate fee quote before additional work begins. The Freelancer reserves the right to decline variations that fall outside their area of expertise.
Timeline
Commencement
The project will commence on [Start Date].
Completion Date
The estimated completion date is [Completion Date], subject to the Client providing required materials, feedback, and approvals on time. Delays caused by the Client may extend the timeline accordingly.
Fees and Payment
Project Fee
The total fee for the Services is [Currency and amount — e.g. USD 5,000] (the "Project Fee").
Payment Schedule
- A non-refundable deposit of [Deposit amount or percentage] is due before work commences.
- The remaining balance of [Balance amount or percentage] is due on [Payment trigger — e.g. delivery of final files].
Invoice Terms
Invoices are due and payable within [Payment terms in days — e.g. 7 or 14] days of the invoice date.
Late Payment
Late payments will incur a fee of [Late payment rate — e.g. 1.5%] per month on the outstanding balance from the due date until payment is received.
Release of Files
Final files and deliverables will be released to the Client only upon receipt of full payment.
Revisions
Included Revisions
The Project Fee includes [Number of revision rounds — e.g. two (2)] rounds of revisions. A revision round is defined as a single consolidated set of changes submitted in writing after delivery of a Deliverable.
Additional Revisions
Additional revision rounds beyond this limit will be charged at [Additional revision rate — e.g. £100 per hour].
Scope of Revisions
Revisions are limited to the scope of the original brief. Changes to the brief or project direction after work has commenced constitute a new scope and will be treated as a variation under the Variations clause above.
Kill Fee
If the Client cancels or abandons the project after work has commenced, the following cancellation charges apply:
- Cancellation before [Stage 1 milestone — e.g. first draft delivered]: [Kill fee percentage for cancellation before Stage 1 — e.g. 25%] of the Project Fee
- Cancellation after [[Stage 1]] but before final delivery: [Kill fee percentage for cancellation after Stage 1 — e.g. 50%] of the Project Fee
The deposit paid under the Payment Schedule clause above will be applied toward any kill fee owed.
Intellectual Property
Assignment on Payment
All rights in the Deliverables shall transfer to the Client upon receipt of full payment of the Project Fee.
Rights Before Payment
Until full payment is received, the Freelancer retains all intellectual property rights in work produced under this Agreement.
Portfolio Rights
The Freelancer retains the right to display the completed Deliverables in their portfolio, website, and promotional materials, unless the Client requests in writing that specific work remain confidential.
Independent Contractor
The Freelancer is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Client. The Freelancer is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and all statutory obligations.
Confidentiality
The Freelancer agrees to keep confidential any non-public, commercially sensitive information provided by the Client during the engagement, and will not disclose it to third parties without the Client's consent.
Termination
Notice
Either Party may terminate this Agreement on [Notice period in days — e.g. 7] days' written notice.
Client Termination
If the Client terminates the Agreement, the kill fee provisions in the Kill Fee clause above apply. The non-refundable deposit is retained in all cases.
Freelancer Termination
If the Freelancer terminates the Agreement, the Freelancer shall refund any portion of the deposit attributable to work not yet commenced.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Governing law — state or jurisdiction].
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in connection with the Services and supersedes all prior communications and proposals. Any changes must be agreed in writing by both Parties.
| [[Freelancer Name]] | [[Client Name]] |
| Signature: ___________________________ | Signature: ___________________________ |
| Name: [[Freelancer Name]] | Name: [Client signatory name] |
| Title: [Client signatory title] | |
| Date: ________________________________ | Date: ________________________________ |
This Freelance Contract (the "Agreement") is entered into as of Effective Date by and between Freelancer name or company name, trading as / of Freelancer trading name or address (the "Freelancer") and Client legal name or company name, a e.g. corporation, LLC, limited company with its principal place of business at Client address (the "Client").
The Freelancer agrees to provide the following services to the Client (the "Services"):
Description of services
The Freelancer will deliver the following (the "Deliverables"):
List of deliverables
Any work outside the scope described above is a variation. Variations must be requested in writing and confirmed with a separate fee quote before additional work begins. The Freelancer reserves the right to decline variations that fall outside their area of expertise.
The project will commence on Start Date.
The estimated completion date is Completion Date, subject to the Client providing required materials, feedback, and approvals on time. Delays caused by the Client may extend the timeline accordingly.
The total fee for the Services is Currency and amount — e.g. USD 5,000 (the "Project Fee").
- A non-refundable deposit of Deposit amount or percentage is due before work commences.
- The remaining balance of Balance amount or percentage is due on Payment trigger — e.g. delivery of final files.
Invoices are due and payable within Payment terms in days — e.g. 7 or 14 days of the invoice date.
Late payments will incur a fee of Late payment rate — e.g. 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance from the due date until payment is received.
Final files and deliverables will be released to the Client only upon receipt of full payment.
The Project Fee includes Number of revision rounds — e.g. two (2) rounds of revisions. A revision round is defined as a single consolidated set of changes submitted in writing after delivery of a Deliverable.
Additional revision rounds beyond this limit will be charged at Additional revision rate — e.g. £100 per hour.
Revisions are limited to the scope of the original brief. Changes to the brief or project direction after work has commenced constitute a new scope and will be treated as a variation under the Variations clause above.
If the Client cancels or abandons the project after work has commenced, the following cancellation charges apply:
- Cancellation before Stage 1 milestone — e.g. first draft delivered: Kill fee percentage for cancellation before Stage 1 — e.g. 25% of the Project Fee
- Cancellation after =[Stage 1] but before final delivery: Kill fee percentage for cancellation after Stage 1 — e.g. 50% of the Project Fee
The deposit paid under the Payment Schedule clause above will be applied toward any kill fee owed.
All rights in the Deliverables shall transfer to the Client upon receipt of full payment of the Project Fee.
Until full payment is received, the Freelancer retains all intellectual property rights in work produced under this Agreement.
The Freelancer retains the right to display the completed Deliverables in their portfolio, website, and promotional materials, unless the Client requests in writing that specific work remain confidential.
The Freelancer is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Client. The Freelancer is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and all statutory obligations.
The Freelancer agrees to keep confidential any non-public, commercially sensitive information provided by the Client during the engagement, and will not disclose it to third parties without the Client's consent.
Either Party may terminate this Agreement on Notice period in days — e.g. 7 days' written notice.
If the Client terminates the Agreement, the kill fee provisions in the Kill Fee clause above apply. The non-refundable deposit is retained in all cases.
If the Freelancer terminates the Agreement, the Freelancer shall refund any portion of the deposit attributable to work not yet commenced.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Governing law — state or jurisdiction.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in connection with the Services and supersedes all prior communications and proposals. Any changes must be agreed in writing by both Parties.
| =[Freelancer Name] | =[Client Name] |
| Signature: ___________________________ | Signature: ___________________________ |
| Name: =[Freelancer Name] | Name: Client signatory name |
| Title: Client signatory title | |
| Date: ________________________________ | Date: ________________________________ |
These templates are a starting point. Have a legal professional review any agreement before signing.
What's included
Each template auto-populates the following fields when used in WordFields:
- Effective date and project start date
- Client and freelancer names, entity types, and addresses
- Description of services and list of deliverables
- Project fee, deposit amount, and payment schedule
- Number of included revision rounds and additional revision rate
- Project timeline and completion date
- Kill fee percentages and cancellation stages (freelancer-issued variant)
- Governing law and jurisdiction
- Signatory names and titles for each party
- Sender name, email, and organisation name (pulled from the logged-in user and workspace automatically)
When to use
Client-Issued Freelance Contract: Use this template when your business regularly engages freelancers or independent contractors and needs a standard agreement it controls. The priority clauses for a client-issued contract are IP assignment — ensuring all deliverables transfer to the business on payment — and independent contractor status, which needs to be clearly documented to support correct tax classification. Operations and procurement teams that onboard multiple contractors each month benefit most from keeping this template in a shared WordFields workspace, so every engagement starts from the same approved version. This template pairs naturally with a non-disclosure agreement for engagements where the contractor will be exposed to sensitive information, and with a statement of work for larger or more complex project scopes. For formal employment relationships, the offer letter is the appropriate document instead.
Freelancer-Issued Contract: Use this template when you are the freelancer and want to issue your own agreement rather than accept a client's terms. The clauses that matter most here are the non-refundable deposit, the kill fee structure, the revision limit, and the provision that final files are released only on full payment — collectively, these are the four most common sources of unpaid or disputed fees in freelance work. The portfolio rights clause in clause 6.3 is also worth preserving: without it, completed work cannot be shown publicly even after delivery. Experienced freelancers issuing this template for every new client through WordFields ensure consistent terms across all engagements, regardless of who is onboarding them. If the relationship later needs to be wound down formally, the contract termination letter handles that step cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a freelance contract and an employment contract?
A freelance contract governs an independent contractor relationship — the freelancer is self-employed, controls how they work, is responsible for their own taxes, and may work for multiple clients. An employment contract creates an employer-employee relationship with obligations around salary, benefits, tax withholding, and statutory rights. Misclassifying an employee as a contractor carries significant legal and tax risk. If in doubt about classification, seek legal advice before issuing the contract.
What should be included in a freelance contract?
A freelance contract should include the parties' details, a description of the services and deliverables, the project timeline, fee and payment terms, a revision or change-order process, intellectual property ownership, confidentiality obligations, the independent contractor status of the freelancer, termination conditions, and governing law. The scope of work and IP ownership clauses are the most critical — both are common sources of disputes when left vague.
Who should issue the freelance contract — the client or the freelancer?
Either party can issue the contract, and both approaches are common in practice. Businesses hiring multiple contractors often issue a standard contract to maintain consistency and protect IP ownership. Experienced freelancers frequently issue their own contracts to control payment terms, revision limits, and kill fee provisions. Whichever party drafts the agreement tends to shape the terms in their favour — which is why reviewing any contract carefully before signing matters.
Who owns the work produced by a freelancer?
Ownership of deliverables depends on what the contract states. Without a written agreement, copyright in creative work may default to the creator — the freelancer — under most jurisdictions. A client-issued contract typically assigns all rights to the client upon full payment. A freelancer-issued contract may assign rights conditionally or retain a licence for portfolio use. This is one of the most important clauses to get right before work begins.
What is a kill fee in a freelance contract?
A kill fee is a cancellation charge paid to the freelancer if the client terminates the project after work has commenced. It compensates the freelancer for time spent and opportunity cost. Kill fees are typically expressed as a percentage of the total project fee — commonly 25–50% depending on how far the project had progressed. Including a kill fee clause in the contract sets clear expectations for both parties before any work begins.
How many revisions should be included in a freelance contract?
There is no universal standard — revision limits depend on the nature of the work and the agreement between the parties. Most freelance contracts for creative or design work specify two to three rounds of revisions within the project fee, with additional rounds billed at an agreed rate. Whatever the limit, it should be stated explicitly in the contract to prevent scope creep from consuming unpaid time.
How does WordFields help teams manage freelance contracts?
WordFields stores your freelance contract template in a shared workspace so every team member works from one approved version. Open the template, fill in the form — freelancer name, services, fee, payment terms, and project timeline — and download a completed Word document in seconds. No editing the source file, no version confusion, and no reformatting each time a new contractor is engaged.
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