Freelance Contract Template: Protect Your Work and Get Paid

Why Every Freelancer Needs a Contract

Working without a contract is the fastest way to lose money as a freelancer. Scope creep, late payments, and disputes over deliverables are all preventable with a clear contract. A good contract protects both you and your client.

Essential Clauses in a Freelance Contract

1. Scope of Work — Exactly what you'll deliver, in specific terms. "Design a 5-page website" not "design a website."
2. Payment Terms — Total amount, payment schedule (50% upfront, 50% on delivery), and accepted payment methods.
3. Timeline — Start date, milestones, and final delivery date.
4. Revisions — How many rounds of revisions are included. "2 rounds of revisions included; additional revisions at $50/hour."
5. Intellectual Property — Who owns the work product. Typically, IP transfers to the client upon full payment.
6. Confidentiality — Both parties agree not to share sensitive business information.
7. Termination — How either party can end the contract, and what happens to work completed so far.
8. Late Payment Penalty — "1.5% monthly interest on amounts overdue by more than 15 days."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague about deliverables — this leads to scope creep.
• Not specifying a kill fee — if the client cancels, you should be compensated for work done.
• Forgetting to include jurisdiction — specify which country/state's laws govern the contract.