Service Agreement vs Freelance Contract
Understand the overlap between service agreements and freelance or contractor agreements, and why the label is less important than the real relationship.
The documents often overlap
A freelance contract is commonly a type of service agreement used where an independent freelancer or consultant supplies services to a client.
Focus on the actual arrangement
The document should reflect the real scope, control, payment method, substitution or personal service, equipment, risk and working practices rather than relying on a title alone.
Employment status can override labels
GOV.UK notes that contractors can in some circumstances have worker or employee status. HMRC guidance likewise looks at the genuine terms and facts of the engagement.
Choose the document that matches the relationship
Use a general service agreement for a business-to-business service relationship; use a freelancer/consultant-focused agreement where independent-contractor issues are central. Seek advice if status is uncertain.
Create your service agreement
Use the free browser-based builder to enter the parties, services, fees and core terms, then review the document before printing or saving as PDF.
Open the Service Agreement builderRelated service agreement guides
Guidance checked: GOV.UK / Competition and Markets Authority guidance on consumer and business contract terms, the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and GOV.UK/HMRC guidance on contractors and employment status. This page is general information, not legal advice.