Free freelance service agreement template
A freelance service agreement records what the client is buying and what the provider will deliver. This draft keeps the practical decisions visible: scope, timing, fees, expenses, ownership and how either side can end the project.
A starting point, with limits. These general U.S. templates have not been reviewed by an attorney. They are not legal advice or tailored to your state or situation. Read the full agreement and its limitations; get legal advice when needed.
When to use it
- A small design, writing or consulting project with agreed deliverables.
- A new client engagement where the scope and payment need to be written down.
- A straightforward service project that does not need industry-specific contract terms.
What you’ll need
Use the legal names of the people or organizations involved. Required details for this template:
- Client’s legal name
- Client’s notice address
- Service provider’s legal name
- Provider’s notice address
- Start / effective date
- Services and scope
- Deliverables and review criteria
- Schedule and client dependencies
- Fees in U.S. dollars
- Payment schedule and due dates
- Agreed expenses
- Agreed ownership and use rights
- Notice to end without cause
- Governing U.S. state
Your details. Your draft.
Nothing is uploaded while you fill this in.
Know the limits of this template.
- A general U.S. starting point, not legal advice or an attorney-reviewed document. State rules and the facts of your transaction may require changes.
- Calling someone a freelancer does not decide employment or tax classification. The actual relationship and applicable federal, state and local rules matter.
- Not for employment, construction, licensed professional services, regulated data or complex subcontracting. Local freelancer-protection laws may require additional terms.
- Write ownership and license terms explicitly. This draft does not automatically transfer copyright or declare the work made for hire.
eSignPDF adds a visible signature. It does not verify identity, provide notarization, certify a digital signature, or create an audit trail.
About this template
What should a freelance contract include?
Identify both parties, the work, deliverables, schedule, fees, due dates and expense rules. Agree on how changes and cancellation work. For creative projects, say exactly what the client may use or own and when those rights begin.
Does paying a freelancer automatically transfer copyright?
Do not assume payment transfers copyright. U.S. copyright ownership and transfers have separate rules, and work-made-for-hire treatment is limited. This form requires you to state the agreed ownership or license terms instead of silently adding an assignment.
Does this agreement make someone an independent contractor?
No. A contract label alone does not determine worker status. Federal tax rules examine the actual relationship, and other federal, state or local tests may apply. This draft does not waive employment rights.
Can I add more work after the contract is signed?
The draft requires both parties to agree in writing to scope, fee or schedule changes before the additional work begins. Keep the approved change with the signed agreement.
Further reading
Official sources for context. These sources have not reviewed or endorsed this template.
An agreement. A head start.
Fill in a general U.S. template, review your PDF, then sign or send it. Your details stay in your browser unless you choose to share.
Mutual NDA
When both sides need to share confidential information.
Customize & sign CLIENT WORKFreelance agreement
Put scope, payment, and delivery terms in writing.
Customize & sign PRIVATE SALESBill of sale
Record a private sale of ordinary personal property.
Customize & signGeneral starting points, not legal advice or state-specific forms. Review the terms and get qualified legal advice for your situation.
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