A One-Page Independent Contractor Agreement is a simplified agreement that lays out the terms of the contract work. The agreement describes the services the contractor will provide, the compensation the employer will pay in exchange, and any conditions that might cause the agreement to be severed or terminated.
One-page independent contractor agreements are sometimes called simple independent contractor agreements because they stick to the basics of the agreement. They cut out the headache of lengthier contracts and are generally preferable when it comes to contract agreements. This is especially true for short-term contract work, but one-page service agreements are also used for more extended arrangements.
Why Use a One-Page Independent Contractor Agreement
- Having a written agreement that is legally binding and enforceable.
- Setting the expectations for the working relationship for both parties.
- Having a contract that is easy to understand by both parties.
- Serving as a guide to navigate any potential disputes.
What To Include
The specifics of what to include in your one-page independent contractor agreement may vary depending on your needs. Our template includes:
- Services. Write a clear description of the services that the contractor will provide. This is usually one line, but you may attach an exhibit if you need to go into further detail.
- Compensation. In exchange for the contractor’s services, the company hiring the contractor agrees to pay them a set amount of compensation laid out in the agreement.
- Term and Termination. This section details the time that the business arrangement is expected to last and any potential grounds for termination.
- Independent Contractor. This defines the independent contractor’s relationship to the company as an independent contractor and not an employee.
- Confidentiality. This lays out what the contractor can and cannot discuss concerning the project. Independent contractors may be handling sensitive company information, and the company must ensure that these things will be kept confidential.
- Ownership of Work Product. Who does the finished product belong to? Does the independent contractor have any rights to it, or does it all belong to the company? This will need to be clear in your one-page independent contractor agreement.
- Governing Law. In what jurisdiction does this work take place? It’s essential to set forth the governing law in the contract, especially in this age of the internet, where independent contractors can work remotely from around the world.
Once you have all those details, both parties must sign the contract to make it enforceable.
One-Page Independent Contractor Agreement Sample
Below, you can download our one-page independent contractor agreement template in PDF or Word format:
