What to Include in an Independent Contractor Agreement

When working with independent contractors, it’s crucial to establish clear expectations and protect your business interests. An independent contractor agreement is a vital document that outlines the terms of your working relationship.

In this article, we’ll explore what an independent contractor is, why you need an independent contractor agreement, and what essential elements should be included. Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding your existing business, understanding the importance of an independent contractor agreement is essential for successful collaborations.

What is an independent contractor?

An independent contractor is a self-employed individual or business entity that provides services to another party under a contract. Unlike employees, independent contractors work on a project basis and maintain control over how and when they complete their work. 

Legally, independent contractors have different rights and obligations compared to employees. For example, you can set out which tasks the freelancer needs to do, but you can’t really tell them which hours to work or what days they can or can’t take off.
Since this relationship is unique, it’s important to clearly define this relationship in an independent contractor agreement. Likewise, you should carefully consider whether you should hire employees or contractors.

Why do I need an independent contractor agreement?

Using an independent contractor agreement offers several benefits. First, it helps define the roles and responsibilities of both parties involved, minimizing potential conflicts. Additionally, an agreement clearly outlines the payment terms, project timeline, and scope of work, helping ensure everyone is on the same page.
Furthermore, an independent contractor agreement can protect your business’s intellectual property and confidential information and establish guidelines for dispute resolution.

What should be included in an independent contractor agreement?

While everyone’s business needs will be a little different — and in turn, every contractor agreement will look different — there are a few basic elements to include. Let’s walk through them.

Definition of the Independent Contractor Relationship

Clearly state in the agreement that the individual is an independent contractor and not an employee. This helps avoid any confusion or misclassification issues.

Parties in the Agreement

Include the names and addresses of both parties involved, ensuring their identification and contact details are accurate.

Scope of Work to Be Performed

Define the specific tasks and responsibilities the independent contractor will undertake. Be as detailed as possible to avoid misunderstandings.

Payment Terms

Specify the agreed-upon compensation, whether it’s a fixed fee, hourly rate, or project-based payment. Include details on how and when payment will be made.

Work Timeline

Outline the expected duration of the project or the estimated start and end dates. This helps establish a clear timeline for completion. If the contract is intended to be perpetual, include that here.

Termination of Independent Contractor Agreement

Include provisions that define the circumstances under which either party can terminate the agreement. For example, the work might only end when the job is complete, or if it’s an ongoing project, the business or the contractor might be able to terminate the agreement at will. Defining these terms protects both parties and ensures a smooth process if the need arises.

Confidentiality Agreement

Address the confidentiality of any sensitive information shared during the project. Protect your trade secrets and client data by including a confidentiality clause.

Noncompete Clause

Consider including a noncompete clause that prevents the independent contractor from engaging in similar work for a competitor within a specific time frame and geographic area. This is especially important for businesses that have competitive industries.

Intellectual Property

Specify the ownership and rights related to any intellectual property developed during the course of the project. This helps ensure that your business retains control and ownership of its content and intellectual property. 

Dispute Resolution

Outline the process for resolving disputes between you and your independent contractor. This might include ending the agreement or bringing in a third-party mediator. Planning ahead can help you avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.

How to Create an Independent Contractor Agreement

Creating an independent contractor agreement can be done in a few ways. For starters, you can consult with an attorney to create a customized agreement tailored to your specific needs.

Alternatively, you can find templates online that offer a starting point for drafting your agreement. Even if you go this route, it’s always a good idea to have a lawyer review the document to ensure it complies with relevant laws and adequately protects your interests. They can help you check for any loopholes and oversights you might have missed.
Better yet — our corporate documents program gives you unlimited access to a wide variety of business document templates, including freelancer agreements.

We can help!

At ZenBusiness, we understand the importance of having solid legal agreements to protect your business. Our platform offers services such as worry-free compliance and annual report filing, allowing you to focus on managing your independent contractor relationships.
We can even help you start your first LLC if you need to form a business. With our support and expertise, you can hit the ground running and have peace of mind knowing that your business is compliant and well-protected.