Freelance Contract Template: What to Include and Why It Matters
You've just landed a new client. They're excited about the project, you're excited about the work — and the last thing either of you wants to do is read a contract. But that contract is the single most important document you'll create before the work begins.
A freelance contract isn't about being difficult or distrustful. It's about making sure both sides know exactly what's happening: what work is being done, when it's due, how much it costs, and what happens if things don't go as planned. Without it, every one of those questions becomes a potential argument.
Why this matters: Freelancers without written contracts are 3x more likely to have payment disputes. A contract doesn't prevent problems — it gives you a clear path to resolve them when they happen.
What Every Freelance Contract Should Cover
You don't need a 20-page legal document. Most freelance projects can be covered in one or two pages. Here are the sections that actually matter:
1. Project Scope
This is the most important section. Define exactly what you're delivering. Be specific — "a website" is not enough. "A 5-page responsive website with a homepage, about page, services page, blog listing page, and contact form" is.
Include what's not included too. Out-of-scope work is the number one source of freelance disputes. If the client later says "but I thought that was part of the deal," your contract is what settles it.
2. Timeline and Deliverables
Break the project into milestones with dates. This does two things: it gives the client clear checkpoints, and it gives you a structured payment schedule to invoice against.
3. Payment Terms
State your rates, when invoices are due, and what happens if they're late. A common structure for freelancers:
- Deposit: 30–50% before work begins
- Mid-project payment: Due at a milestone (e.g., first draft delivered)
- Final payment: Due on delivery
Specify the payment method and the due date format (e.g., "Net 14" means 14 days from invoice date). We cover invoice follow-up templates in our guide on invoice reminder email templates.
4. Intellectual Property / Ownership
Who owns the work once it's done? For most freelance projects, the client owns the final deliverable once they've paid in full. But that doesn't mean they own your process, tools, or reusable assets.
Be clear about this upfront. If you're creating something that uses a template, a library, or code you've built before, note that in the contract.
5. Revisions
How many rounds of feedback are included? What counts as a revision versus a new request? Without this, "can you just tweak this a bit?" can turn into an endless cycle.
A typical freelance policy: two rounds of revisions included. Additional rounds billed at your hourly rate.
6. Termination Clause
What happens if the client wants to cancel midway through? Or if you need to walk away? Include a notice period (e.g., 7 days written notice) and specify that work completed up to that point must be paid for.
Keep it simple: A contract doesn't need to be formal or intimidating. Plain language is fine — and preferred. If you can't explain a clause in one sentence, rewrite it.
The Template
Here's a basic freelance contract you can copy and adapt. Replace the [bracketed text] with your details. This is a starting point — for large projects or high-value engagements, consider having a lawyer review it.
This agreement is between:
[Your Name / Business Name] ("Freelancer")
and [Client Name / Company] ("Client")
Effective date: [Date]
1. Services. Freelancer agrees to provide the following services: [Detailed description of deliverables and scope]. Work outside this scope will be quoted separately.
2. Timeline. Work will begin on [Start Date] and is expected to be completed by [End Date], subject to timely feedback from Client. Key milestones: [List milestones and dates].
3. Payment. Total fee: [Amount]. Payment schedule: [e.g., 40% deposit on start, 30% on first milestone, 30% on delivery]. Invoices are due within [14/30] days of receipt. Late payments accrue interest at [1.5%] per month.
4. Revisions. Up to [2] rounds of revisions are included. Additional revisions are billed at [hourly rate]/hour.
5. Ownership. Upon full payment, Client owns the final deliverable. Freelancer retains ownership of pre-existing tools, templates, and methods used during the project.
6. Confidentiality. Both parties agree to keep the terms of this agreement and any shared business information confidential.
7. Termination. Either party may terminate this agreement with [7] days written notice. Client is responsible for payment for all work completed up to the termination date.
8. Governing Law. This agreement is governed by the laws of [Your State/Country].
Signatures:
Freelancer: ______________ Date: ______
Client: ________________ Date: ______
Tips for Using Your Contract
- Send it before you start work. Not after. Getting a signature mid-project feels awkward — getting it at the start feels professional.
- Use it every time. Even for small projects. Especially for small projects. The projects where you skip the contract are the ones where disputes happen.
- Pair it with a clear invoice. Your contract sets the terms — your invoices enforce them. Each invoice should reference the contract and the milestone it covers.
- Keep a copy of the signed version. Digital signatures (DocuSign, HelloSign) create an audit trail. A PDF with a scanned signature works too.
Invoice against your contracts automatically
Once your contract is signed, Billzy helps you create and send invoices tied to each milestone — with automatic due date tracking and overdue alerts. Up to 10 invoices, no credit card needed.
Get Started Free →The Bottom Line
A freelance contract doesn't have to be long or complicated. It just needs to cover the basics: what you're doing, when, how much, who owns what, and what happens if things change. Spend 10 minutes adapting the template above before your next project, and you'll save yourself hours of headache down the line.
The freelancers who get paid reliably and avoid disputes aren't the ones with the best lawyers. They're the ones who set clear expectations from day one — in writing.