Contract for Services / Freelance Agreement Format
Engage a freelancer or consultant on a project or retainer, with clear deliverables and payment terms.
What it is
A contract for services engages an independent professional to deliver defined work. Unlike a contract of service (employment), the professional decides how the work is done, uses their own tools and is paid fees against invoices rather than salary.
When it is used
- Hiring a freelance designer, developer, writer or consultant.
- Project-based or retainer engagements.
- Recording ownership of work product created for the client.
What the template covers
- Independent contractor relationship
- Scope of services, deliverables and engagement period
- Professional fees, payment frequency and TDS
- Intellectual property and work product ownership
- Confidentiality and non-solicitation
- Termination, limitation of liability and governing law
Details you will need
The generator asks for the following. Fields marked with an asterisk in the form are required; the rest can be left blank and filled in later in Word.
Agreement
Agreement Date; Place
Client
Client Name; Client Address; Client GSTIN (if registered)
Service Provider
Service Provider Name; Address; PAN; GSTIN (if registered)
Services
Description of Services; Key Deliverables; Engagement Type; Start Date; End Date / Duration
Payment
Professional Fees (₹); Payment Frequency; TDS Section applicable
IP
IP / Work Product Ownership
Termination
Notice Period for Termination; Governing Jurisdiction
Stamp duty, registration and filing
A contract for services does not need registration; stamp duty is charged under the State's Stamp Act. The client may have to deduct TDS on fees for professional or technical services or contract work, depending on the amount. GST applies where the freelancer is registered.
Generate the Contract for Services / Freelance Agreement
Fill in the form and download the draft as a Word file. It is a general template, not legal or professional advice; have it reviewed for your facts before you sign or rely on it.
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Frequently asked questions
How is a contract for services different from employment?
In a contract for services the professional is independent, controls the method of work and is paid fees. In employment the employer controls the work and pays salary with statutory benefits. How the relationship works in practice matters more than the label.
Who owns the work created by a freelancer?
Unless the contract assigns it, copyright in work created by an independent contractor generally stays with the creator. The template lets you choose who owns the work product.
Does the client deduct TDS on freelance fees?
Often yes, if the client is required to deduct TDS and the payments exceed the threshold for professional or technical fees or contract work. The contract should state which provision applies.
This page gives general information for reference only. Laws, stamp duty rates and filing requirements change and differ between States, so confirm the current position for your case. Related: all document templates · free tax calculators · compliance calendar and guides.