Service Agreement Template
Freelancers and clients both win when the work, pay, and ownership are agreed before the first invoice. Define scope, payment, and IP in one service agreement template — and skip the awkward conversations.
Customize & DownloadService Agreement Template Sample
This Service Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of [1. Effective Date] between [2. Client Full Name] (the “Client”) and [3. Service Provider Full Name] (the “Provider”), who is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Client.
1. Services.
The Provider shall perform the services described in [4. Scope of Work] (the “Services”) in accordance with the timeline and milestones set out in [5. Deliverables and Timeline].
2. Compensation.
The Client agrees to pay the Provider [6. Compensation] for the Services, payable [7. Payment Terms]. The Provider shall invoice the Client for amounts due, and the Client shall make payment within [8. Payment Due Days] days of receipt of a valid invoice.
3. Expenses.
The Client shall reimburse the Provider for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that are pre-approved in writing and directly related to the Services.
4. Independent Contractor Status.
The Provider is an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship. The Provider is solely responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits.
5. Intellectual Property.
All deliverables created by the Provider in the course of performing the Services, including any designs, code, content, and documentation, shall be owned by the Client upon full payment. The Provider retains no rights to the deliverables other than as granted in this section.
6. Confidentiality.
The Provider shall not disclose any confidential information of the Client, including business plans, customer data, and trade secrets, during the term of this Agreement and for [9. Confidentiality Period] after its termination.
7. Termination.
Either party may terminate this Agreement upon [10. Termination Notice Days] days’ written notice. Upon termination, the Client shall pay the Provider for all Services performed up to the date of termination, and the Provider shall deliver all completed work products.
8. Limitation of Liability.
Neither party shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or related to this Agreement. The Provider’s total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total compensation paid to the Provider.
9. Governing Law.
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [11. State]. Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of that state.
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What's Included
6 provisionsThis template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Service and contractor relationships are governed by state law; consult an attorney before use.
How to Use
Prepare the contract
The agreement is built to 2026 service industry practice, with standard clauses ready to fill.
Add your project details
Enter the parties, scope of work, compensation, IP terms, and notice period for termination.
Download the contract
Preview the completed agreement and export it as Word or PDF for both parties to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a service agreement and an employment contract?
A service agreement hires an independent contractor for specific work, with no employment relationship. An employment contract creates an employer-employee relationship with taxes, benefits, and protections.
Should a service agreement include IP ownership?
Yes, always. Without an IP clause, ownership of deliverables can default to the creator. State clearly that the client owns the work product after full payment.
Can a service agreement be month-to-month?
It can run for a fixed term or continue until a project is complete. Most service agreements are project-based rather than automatically renewing.
What happens if the client does not pay?
The agreement should state payment terms and late remedies. The provider can stop work, charge late fees if specified, or pursue collection after the invoice is overdue.
