Does signing this agreement make someone an independent contractor?

No. Whether someone is a contractor or an employee depends on how the relationship works in practice, under federal and state tests. The agreement records the parties' intent but does not override those rules.

Who handles taxes for an independent contractor?

The contractor is responsible for their own taxes. The company typically issues any information returns required by law. Check with a tax professional for your situation.

Can the contractor work for other clients?

Yes, as written. Freedom to work for others is one of the features of a contractor relationship; add a non-solicitation or exclusivity clause in the editor if you need one.

Free template

Independent contractor agreement template

An independent contractor agreement sets out the work, the payment and, importantly, that the person doing it is a contractor rather than an employee: they control how the work gets done and handle their own taxes. Edit it in the browser and send it for signature from the same page; the free plan includes 5 sends a month and never asks for a card.

Start free with this template

When to use it

Hiring a 1099 contractor in the US for a project or an ongoing role.
Working as a contractor and needing a written agreement before you start.
Formalizing an arrangement that has been running on a handshake.

What's in it

1.Services
2.Payment
3.Independent contractor status
4.Intellectual property
5.Confidentiality
6.Term and termination
7.Insurance and liability
8.General

Plus signature, name and date fields for company and contractor.

The full template

The text you start from, exactly as it opens in the editor. Bracketed blanks are yours to fill in; highlighted fields are filled by each signer.

Independent Contractor Agreement

This Independent Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of Date signed — Company between [Company legal name], located at [Company address] (the “Company”), and [Contractor name], located at [Contractor address] (the “Contractor”).

1. Services

The Contractor will perform the following services: [describe the services, deliverables and any deadlines] (the “Services”).

2. Payment

The Company will pay the Contractor [rate, e.g. $[amount] per hour / a fixed fee of $[amount]]. The Contractor will invoice [monthly / on completion], and the Company will pay each undisputed invoice within [thirty (30)] days. Expenses are reimbursed only if approved in writing in advance.

3. Independent contractor status

The Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee. The Contractor controls the manner and means of performing the Services, supplies their own equipment, may work for others, and is not eligible for employee benefits. The Contractor is responsible for all taxes on amounts paid under this Agreement, and the Company will issue any tax forms required by law.

4. Intellectual property

Work product created by the Contractor specifically for the Company under this Agreement is assigned to the Company upon payment. The Contractor keeps ownership of tools, materials and know-how that existed before this Agreement or were developed independently, and grants the Company a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use any of them incorporated in the work product.

5. Confidentiality

The Contractor will keep the Company's non-public information confidential, use it only to perform the Services, and return it when the engagement ends.

6. Term and termination

This Agreement starts on the Effective Date and continues until the Services are complete, unless ended earlier. Either party may terminate it on [fourteen (14)] days' written notice. The Company will pay for Services performed through the termination date.

7. Insurance and liability

The Contractor is responsible for any insurance it chooses or is required to carry. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from this Agreement.

8. General

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [State]. It is the entire agreement between the parties on its subject and may be amended only in writing signed by both parties. Neither party may assign it without the other's consent.

Signatures

Company

Signature: Signature — Company

Name: Full name — Company

Date: Date signed — Company

Contractor

Signature: Signature — Contractor

Name: Full name — Contractor

Date: Date signed — Contractor

This template is a general-purpose starting point written in plain English for use in the United States. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed for your situation; for anything high-stakes, have a lawyer review the final version.

How to send it for signature

Step 1
Start from the template
It opens as a document in the editor with both parties' signature, name and date fields already placed. Fill in the bracketed blanks and change any clause.
Step 2
Add who signs
Put an email address on each party, set the signing order if it matters, add an access code if you want one, and add a viewer for anyone who only needs to read it.
Step 3
Send it and track it
Each signer gets a link and signs in the browser, no account needed. You see who has opened and signed, and everyone gets the completed PDF with a certificate of completion.