Freelance / Independent Contractor Agreement Template
A free, editable Word document built for freelancers delivering a defined project — not a generic all-purpose template.
A freelance agreement's job is to protect you from two specific things: a client who cancels midway through a project, and a client who wants the finished work before they've actually paid for it.
This template addresses both directly, with a kill fee clause for early cancellation and an intellectual property clause that only transfers ownership of the finished work once payment is received in full — not before.
This template is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or HR advice. Have it reviewed by a qualified professional before using it with a real client or employee.
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Once this is in place, startbuddi for freelancers handles the client, invoicing, and follow-ups that come after — automatically.
See startbuddi for freelancersQuestions about this template
What is a "kill fee" and why does it matter?
A kill fee is compensation for work already done if a client cancels a project partway through. Without one, a client can cancel after you've done most of the work and you have no contractual right to be paid for it.
When does the client actually own the finished work?
Only once you've received full payment, per Section 5. This is a standard and important protection — it means you're not legally required to hand over final files to a client who hasn't paid.
Can I use this for ongoing freelance work instead of one project?
This template is built for a single defined project. For recurring monthly work, the agency retainer template's structure (payment terms, revision limits, month-to-month term) is a closer fit even if you're a solo freelancer rather than an agency.
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