The 7 Clauses Every Freelance Contract Needs
Most freelancers skip contracts or use ones they found online without reading. These seven clauses protect your payment, scope, and time on every project.
1. Scope of work
Define exactly what you will deliver. List every deliverable, format, and version. If it isn't in the scope, it isn't included — and you can charge for it separately. A tight scope is your primary protection against scope creep.
2. Payment terms
Specify the total fee, deposit amount (typically 25–50% upfront), and the due date for the balance. Add a late payment fee — 1.5% per month is standard. Clients pay faster when there is a cost to being late.
3. Revision rounds
State how many rounds of revisions are included and what counts as a revision. Unlimited revisions is a trap. Define 'revision' vs 'new direction' and charge for anything beyond the included rounds.
4. Intellectual property transfer
Specify when IP transfers to the client — typically upon receipt of final payment, not upon delivery of files. If the client doesn't pay, you retain ownership. This clause alone has saved freelancers thousands.
5. Kill fee
If the client cancels mid-project, a kill fee compensates you for work completed. Typically 25–50% of the remaining balance. Without this clause, a client can walk away after consuming weeks of your time.
6. Confidentiality
Agree to keep client information confidential and ask the client to keep your rates and methods private. A mutual NDA clause protects both parties and signals professionalism.
7. Dispute resolution
Specify which state's law governs the contract and whether disputes go to arbitration or court. This matters when things go wrong. Choose your home jurisdiction — it is almost always more convenient for you than the client.
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