Indian Contract Act, 1872
Governs the freelancer agreement as an enforceable contract between independent parties.
Get the work done right —with a contract that protects you both.
A Freelancer Agreement that defines scope, payment, IP ownership, confidentiality, and independent contractor status — preventing disputes over fees, deliverables, and IP before they arise.
Scope of WorkIP AssignmentIndependent ContractorPayment Terms
Rs 1,499
All-Inclusive
Both Sides
Client & Freelancer
2–3 Days
Delivery
What we handle for you
A Freelancer Agreement that protects the client's investment and the freelancer's fees — before work begins.
Scope & Deliverables
Define deliverables, acceptance criteria, revision rounds, and timelines precisely — preventing scope creep and payment disputes.
IP Assignment
Draft IP assignment clause ensuring the client owns the final work product — because without it, copyright stays with the freelancer by default.
Independent Contractor Status
Establish independent contractor status to prevent misclassification as employment — with significant TDS and labour law implications.
Payment & Termination
Structure payment terms — advance, milestone, or completion-based — with late payment consequences and termination provisions covering work completed to date.
The 3-Step Drafting Process
From engagement description to a signed Freelancer Agreement — protecting both parties before work begins.
01
Describe the Engagement
Share the nature of the work, deliverables, payment terms, and any specific requirements regarding IP, confidentiality, or timelines.
02
Lawyer Prepares the Agreement
Our lawyer drafts a comprehensive Freelancer Agreement covering all key commercial and legal terms.
03
Review & Finalise
Both parties review and sign the agreement before work begins — protecting both the client's investment and the freelancer's fees.
Legal Framework
Freelancer engagements in India are governed by contract law, IP law, and tax law — making proper documentation essential.
Copyright Act, 1957
Without an assignment clause, copyright in creative work belongs to the freelancer, not the client — regardless of payment.
Income Tax Act, 1961
TDS at 10% under Section 194J applies to professional fees paid to freelancers exceeding Rs. 30,000 per year.
MSMED Act, 2006
If the freelancer is an MSME-registered individual, payment delays attract interest under MSMED provisions.
Client Success Stories
“A client refused to pay claiming the work wasn't what they expected. We had no written agreement. LegalKonnect drafted a comprehensive freelancer agreement with clear acceptance criteria — that situation will never happen again.”
KS
Karthik Subramanian
Chennai“As a freelance designer, I needed an agreement that protected my IP unless payment was received in full. The lawyer drafted exactly that — including a clause that ownership transfers only on final payment.”
PN
Priya Nair
KochiFrequently Asked Questions
Stamp Duty Not Included
Government stamp duty charges apply to registered documents and vary by state. These are paid directly to the government and are not part of our service fee. Your advocate will confirm the applicable amount for your state before any document is executed.
Without a written IP assignment clause, the freelancer retains copyright in the work they create — even if the client has paid for it. A clear IP assignment in the agreement is the only way to ensure the client owns the deliverable.
Unless an exclusivity clause is agreed upon, a freelancer is free to work with any client — including competitors. Exclusivity must be explicitly stated and is typically reflected in higher compensation.
Send a legal demand notice specifying the amount due and a payment deadline. If unresolved, file a recovery suit before the appropriate civil court or, if you are an MSME, approach the MSME Samadhaan portal for fast-track resolution.
No. A freelancer is an independent contractor whose income is taxed under Profits and Gains from Business or Profession. They are not entitled to employment benefits and are responsible for their own tax filings.