Independent Contractor Agreement — 2026 template

This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is made on [Effective date] between [Client legal name], [Client address] ("Client"), and [Contractor legal name or business name], [Contractor address], EIN/SSN on file via Form W-9 ("Contractor").

Classification note: labels do not decide worker status. The IRS looks at behavioral control, financial control and the relationship of the parties; many states (for example, California under Cal. Lab. Code § 2775) presume a worker is an employee unless the hiring entity proves the ABC test: (A) the worker is not subject to the hiring entity's control and direction — see Sections 2–4; (B) the work is outside the usual course of the hiring entity's business; and (C) the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade or business. Confirm [State] test before signing.

1. Services

Contractor will perform the following services: [Description of services and deliverables] (the "Services"), with target dates: [Milestones and dates].

2. Independent Contractor Status

Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee, partner or agent of Client. Contractor determines the method, means, location and hours of performing the Services, uses Contractor's own equipment, may hire assistants at Contractor's own expense and may provide services to other clients. Contractor has no authority to bind Client. Contractor is not eligible for Client's employee benefits.

3. Fees and Invoicing

Client will pay Contractor (Fixed fee of $[Amount] per milestone / $[Hourly rate] per hour, not exceeding $[Cap] without written approval). Contractor will invoice [Invoicing frequency]; Client pays undisputed invoices within [Number] days. Contractor bears its own business expenses except: [Pre-approved reimbursable expenses].

4. Taxes and Insurance