California · Standard edition

California Independent Contractor Agreement Template

Create a California independent contractor agreement online. The Standard agreement covers the services and deliverables, invoices and payment timing, independent contractor status, 1099 and W-9 tax reporting, confidentiality, intellectual property, liability, termination, and California contractor rules.

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California rules built into this template

  • California's Freelance Worker Protection Act (SB 988, effective for contracts entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2025) requires a written contract when a freelance worker is paid $250 or more, alone or with other work for the same hiring party in a 120-day period; payment is due on the date in the contract or, if none, within 30 days after the services are completed, and the hiring party must keep the contract for at least four years. Worker classification in California is generally decided under the "ABC" test (Cal. Lab. Code § 2775) unless an exemption applies, such as the business-to-business exemption (Cal. Lab. Code § 2776).
  • Taxes: the company reports payments on IRS Form 1099-NEC where required and collects a Form W-9 before the first payment; the contractor pays their own income and self-employment taxes.

What the Independent Contractor Agreement includes

  1. Services
  2. Deliverables and Acceptance
  3. Compensation and Invoices
  4. Expenses
  5. Independent Contractor Status
  6. Taxes and Insurance
  7. Confidentiality
  8. Intellectual Property
  9. Contractor Warranties
  10. Indemnification
  11. Limitation of Liability
  12. Term and Termination
  13. State and Local Requirements
  14. Notices
  15. General Provisions
  16. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

Does California require a written independent contractor agreement?
California's Freelance Worker Protection Act (SB 988, effective for contracts entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2025) requires a written contract when a freelance worker is paid $250 or more, alone or with other work for the same hiring party in a 120-day period; payment is due on the date in the contract or, if none, within 30 days after the services are completed, and the hiring party must keep the contract for at least four years. Worker classification in California is generally decided under the "ABC" test (Cal. Lab. Code § 2775) unless an exemption applies, such as the business-to-business exemption (Cal. Lab. Code § 2776).
Does a contractor agreement make someone an independent contractor?
Not on its own. Agencies and courts look at the real relationship, such as who controls how the work is done and whether the worker runs an independent business. The agreement records the intended relationship and should match how the work is performed.
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Independent Contractor Agreement?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Independent Contractor Agreement for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

Independent Contractor Agreement templates for other states

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