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  1. Home
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  3. Freelance Service Agreement

Freelance Service Agreement Template

A freelance service agreement protects both the freelancer and the client by clearly defining the scope of work, payment terms, revision policies, and deadlines. It's the essential contract for any freelance engagement — from design and development to writing and marketing.

Without a clear agreement, freelancers risk scope creep, delayed payments, and disputes over deliverables. Clients risk receiving work that doesn't meet expectations, missed deadlines, and unclear ownership of the final product.

Our AI-generated freelance agreements are designed specifically for the modern freelance economy, with provisions for remote work, digital deliverables, milestone-based payments, and kill fees — all customized to your jurisdiction's requirements.

Select Contract Jurisdiction

🇺🇸

California Freelance Service Agreement

California has some of the most employee and contractor-friendly laws in the United States. The state's strict worker classification rules under AB5, ...

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🇺🇸

Texas Freelance Service Agreement

Texas is widely considered a business-friendly state with strong contract enforcement traditions. The state follows at-will employment, enforces reaso...

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🇺🇸

New York Freelance Service Agreement

New York is a major commercial hub with sophisticated contract law shaped by centuries of case precedent. The state's courts are experienced with comp...

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United Kingdom Freelance Service Agreement

United Kingdom contract law is governed by common law principles, the Employment Rights Act, and extensive regulations implementing retained EU law in...

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Key Clauses Included

Scope of Work and Deliverables
Defines exactly what the freelancer will deliver, including specifications, formats, and acceptance criteria.
Payment Terms and Schedule
Sets the total fee, deposit requirements, milestone payments, payment methods, and late payment penalties.
Timeline and Deadlines
Establishes project milestones, delivery dates, and consequences for delays by either party.
Revision and Approval Process
Specifies the number of included revisions, the approval process, and fees for additional changes beyond scope.
Intellectual Property Transfer
Defines when IP transfers to the client (typically upon full payment) and what rights the freelancer retains for portfolio use.
Cancellation and Kill Fee
Covers what happens if the project is cancelled, including payment for work completed and any kill fee provisions.

Who needs this?

  • Freelance designers, developers, and writers
  • Marketing and content creation professionals
  • Photographers, videographers, and creative professionals
  • Small business owners hiring freelancers
  • Agencies subcontracting creative work

When to use it

  • Before starting any freelance project
  • When a client requests work beyond the initial discussion
  • Before accepting a deposit or starting paid work
  • When working with a new client for the first time
  • When transitioning from informal to formal freelance work

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I require a deposit before starting work?
Yes, requiring a 25-50% deposit upfront is standard practice. It demonstrates the client's commitment and ensures you're compensated if the project is cancelled. Our template includes deposit and milestone payment provisions.
How many revisions should I include?
2-3 rounds of revisions is standard for most freelance work. Include a clear revision policy in your agreement, with a process for handling requests beyond the included rounds.
Who owns the work — me or the client?
Typically, IP transfers to the client upon full payment. However, freelancers often retain portfolio rights. The agreement should clearly state when ownership transfers and what rights each party retains.
What is a kill fee?
A kill fee is a predetermined amount the client pays if they cancel the project after work has begun. It typically covers the work completed plus a percentage of the remaining fee. It protects freelancers from lost income.
Can I use this agreement for recurring client work?
Yes, but for ongoing relationships, consider a master service agreement (MSA) with individual statements of work (SOW) for each project. This provides a framework for recurring work without renegotiating terms each time.

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Independent Contractor Agreement

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Statement of Work

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One-Way NDA

Generate a one-way NDA to protect your confidential information. Jurisdiction-specific templates for CA, TX, NY & UK. Create, e-sign, and share online.

Consulting Agreement

Create a consulting agreement tailored to your needs. Define scope, fees, deliverables & IP rights. Jurisdiction-specific templates for CA, TX, NY & UK.

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Create a customized freelance service agreement in 60 seconds with AI.

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