Independent Contractor Agreement

Template for hiring a 1099 independent contractor. The template on this page is a starting point. Always review with a licensed attorney before relying on any legal document.

What this document is

The Independent Contractor Agreement is a commonly used template that sets out the basic terms expected for this type of communication or agreement. We've drafted it in plain English with the most common clauses.

When to use it

• When you need a quick, professional first draft.
• When you want to document a position in writing before formal legal action.
• When you are working with a counterparty who needs a standard template.

How to use the template

1. Fill in the blanks for parties, dates, amounts, and any state-specific fields.
2. Read the entire document carefully — do not skip clauses you don't understand.
3. Have any document with significant legal or financial implications reviewed by counsel before signing or sending.
4. Keep a copy with proof of delivery (certified mail, email confirmation, signed receipt).

Common pitfalls

• Using a template that does not match your state's required notice period or formatting.
• Omitting required statutory language (e.g. mandatory disclosures in landlord-tenant documents).
• Sending without delivery proof.
• Treating a template as a substitute for legal advice in high-stakes matters.

State variations

Many legal documents have state-specific requirements. Where the template needs to be adapted, we publish state-specific versions. Check your state's page before sending.

What happens next

After you send or sign the document, the typical next step is either a response from the other party, performance of the agreement, or — if ignored — escalation. We recommend setting a calendar reminder for any deadlines referenced in the document.