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Freelance Contract Red Flag Checker

15 questions that reveal the clauses that get freelancers burned. Kill fee, non-compete, IP, liability cap — with plain-English explanations and negotiation scripts.

Where this fits

📦 Business & Seller OpsGoing 1099FreelancersFounders

This tool lives inside Going 1099 and is most useful for freelancers and founders.

Corp Tax Rate21%
SE Threshold$400
FICA Cap 2024$168,600
Answer each question based on your contract. This tool helps you spot risky clauses — it's not legal advice. For high-value contracts, consult a freelance attorney.

Contract Checklist

1.

Does the contract include a kill fee (payment if client cancels)?

not answered
2.

Is IP/ownership clearly defined — specifying who owns the final work?

not answered
3.

Are revision rounds/scope explicitly specified?

not answered
4.

Does the contract include a non-compete clause?

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5.

Is a payment schedule clearly defined (dates, milestones, or net terms)?

not answered
6.

Does the contract use "work for hire" language assigning all rights to the client?

not answered
7.

Is there a late payment penalty or interest clause if the client pays late?

not answered
8.

Is there a mandatory arbitration clause (disputes resolved outside court)?

not answered
9.

Is an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) required?

not answered
10.

Is there a liability cap limiting your financial exposure?

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11.

Is there a change order / scope change process defined?

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12.

Is the governing law/jurisdiction defined?

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13.

Does the contract auto-renew without explicit notice?

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14.

Does the contract allow the client to withhold payment for "dissatisfaction" without objective criteria?

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15.

Does the contract define termination rights for both parties (not just the client)?

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Answer questions above to see your contract health score.
1

Questions answered

Answered / total questions

0 of 15 questions answered

= 0/15

Answer all questions for a complete assessment

2

Red flags

Count of serious risk issues (−20 pts each)

0 red flags × 20 = −0 pts

= 0

Red flags represent clauses that commonly harm freelancers financially

3

Yellow flags

Count of caution items (−8 pts each)

0 yellow flags × 8 = −0 pts

= 0

4

Contract health score

100 − (red flags × 20) − (yellow flags × 8)

100 − 0 − 0 = 100

= 100/100

Safe to Sign

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