Business Documents

Darius F. Sanders · Founder, Wi Filings · Published 2026-11-02

An independent contractor agreement records what the parties have agreed to do, deliver and pay. Start with the actual project, then compare the document’s terms with that arrangement. Calling a worker a contractor does not, by itself, settle their legal or tax status.

Write down the project before choosing a template

“Help with marketing” leaves room for very different expectations. A clearer project description might specify four edited videos, the delivery format, one revision round and an agreed delivery date. This is an illustration of useful detail, not a clause to copy into every contract.

1. Parties and signing authority. Identify the person or business entering the agreement. Keep a company’s legal name separate from the individual signing for it.
2. Services and deliverables. Describe the work, what the client receives, what is excluded and what information the client must provide.
3. Dates and review. Specify when work starts, the delivery milestones, how feedback is given and how changes are approved.
4. Payment. Decide whether the amount is fixed, hourly or tied to milestones. Record invoice timing, reimbursable expenses and what happens if the scope changes.
5. Work product and existing materials. Separate newly created deliverables from tools, stock materials or intellectual property a party already owns. Read when any transfer or license takes effect.
6. Confidentiality and access. Identify what information must be protected and how accounts, files and credentials will be returned or closed at the end.
7. Ending the engagement. Review notice, unfinished work, amounts owed and handover responsibilities. A useful exit process matters even when both parties expect the project to go well.

Check the relationship separately from the paperwork

For federal employment-tax purposes, the IRS considers the actual relationship, including behavioral control, financial control and the type of relationship. A contract is one piece of the facts. See IRS worker-classification guidance. State and other federal rules may ask different questions; a template purchase does not certify classification.

For an ongoing role that closely resembles employment, a disputed relationship, regulated work or an arrangement crossing jurisdictions, get advice on the actual facts. Writing a preferred label into a document does not resolve those questions.

Compare the sample with the product you are buying

A guided agreement uses your answers to populate the document. A general fill-in template leaves fields for you to complete. Neither is the same service as having an attorney negotiate an agreement for your situation. Read the product scope, sample and key terms so that your choice is deliberate.

Wi Filings shows partial samples before payment and provides the complete PDF after verified payment. If you change your builder answers, refresh the sample and answer review before checkout. After purchase, check the full document, complete any remaining fields and arrange signatures before relying on it.

Common questions

Is a 1099 agreement an IRS form?

No. People often use “1099 agreement” to mean an independent contractor contract. The contract records work and payment terms; Form 1099-NEC reports certain payments. Neither alone determines worker status.

Can I read the agreement before paying?

You can review a partial sample, the key terms and your answers before checkout. The full PDF becomes available after verified payment. Review the complete document before signing.

Does the purchase include an attorney review?

No. Wi Filings provides a self-service document product. You choose the answers and terms; the purchase does not include legal advice, negotiation or attorney review.

Choose your next step

• What to put in a contractor agreement
• W-9, 1099-NEC and the contract: three different jobs
• Choose the guided agreement or general template

Build an agreement for a supported state — $59 · Wisconsin agreement — $49 · General fill-in template — $59

Legal Disclaimer The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Wi Filings is not a law firm and is not authorized to provide legal advice. Every business situation is unique — consult an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction or a qualified tax professional before making decisions about your contracts, worker classification or reporting obligations. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship between you and Wi Filings.