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1099 contractors · IP-protected

Hire a contractor without the IP and tax problems. Agreement + W-9, one workflow.

An independent contractor agreement defines who owns the work (you, via IP assignment), what is confidential, whether they can compete (if your state allows), and how they get paid. The 2024 FTC non-compete ban changed what is enforceable. California, North Dakota, and Oklahoma already had bans; many other states are now changing. We generate agreements that fit your state and bundle W-9 collection so you are 1099-ready when January arrives.

All 50 states + DC 60-day money-back SOC 2 Type II
How it works

How we handle Contractor Agreement, end-to-end.

An independent contractor agreement defines who owns the work (you, via IP assignment), what is confidential, whether they can compete (if your state allows), and how they get paid.

1

Classification check

We run the IRS 20-factor test on your role: how much control you have over the work, who provides tools, whether the contractor works for other clients. If the role looks like W-2 employment we flag it before you create the wrong contract.

2

Configure key terms

Scope of work, fee structure (hourly, fixed, milestone), IP assignment, confidentiality, non-compete (where enforceable), non-solicit, termination.

3

Send for e-sign + W-9

Agreement plus W-9 collection in one workflow. Contractor signs the agreement and completes the W-9 in the same session. Both go to your vault, TIN-matched against IRS records.

4

Year-end 1099 ready

January 1, your contractor list is already in our 1099 e-file service. One click pushes the data to IRS FIRE and recipients. No scramble in January.

What we'll set up for you

A clean handoff, in four steps.

You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.

01 · Name + Brand

A name that's actually available.

Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.

02 · State filing

Filed with the Secretary of State.

We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.

03 · Federal IDs

EIN + the right tax setup.

Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.

04 · Stay compliant

Registered Agent + deadline tracking.

Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.

Pricing

Transparent contractor agreement pricing.

Government fees pass through at cost. No upsells.

Generate

$0
Unlimited agreements.

Generate contractor agreements in any volume. Free forever. Classification check included. You handle the W-9 collection separately.

Get started

Volume

$19
$19 per contractor at 50+ per year.

For agencies and businesses with high contractor volume. Drops to $19 per contractor above 50 per year. Includes branded contractor portal and bulk import.

Get started
FAQ

About the Independent Contractor Agreement Generator.

Is my person a contractor or employee?
Depends on how much control you have. The IRS uses a 20-factor test focusing on behavioral control (how the work is done), financial control (who provides tools, when payment is made), and relationship (written contract, benefits, expected duration). California uses a stricter ABC test. Misclassification owes back taxes, FICA, FUTA, plus penalties.
Are non-competes enforceable?
Depends on the state. CA, ND, OK ban non-competes entirely (employees and contractors). Many states limit by duration (typically 1-2 years) and geography (limited to where you actually compete). The 2024 FTC ban was blocked in court. We default to non-solicit, which is enforceable almost everywhere.
Who owns the work product?
Default: the contractor (work-for-hire only applies to specific narrow categories under copyright law). To own contractor work, the agreement must explicitly assign IP. Our generator includes a present assignment (transfers IP at the moment it is created) which is the most enforceable form.
Do I need a W-9 from the contractor?
Yes, before any payment. Without a W-9 on file you must apply 24% backup withholding on every payment. Collecting at onboarding (not year-end) eliminates the backup-withholding problem. Our bundled workflow handles it.
What state law applies?
Usually the state where the work is performed (especially for non-compete and labor-law issues), or the state in your governing-law clause for general contract issues. Cross-state contractors can be tricky; we default governing law to your home state.
What about international contractors?
International contractors do not need W-9s; they fill out W-8BEN (individuals) or W-8BEN-E (entities) to certify foreign status and avoid withholding. We support both. Tax-treaty rates apply for some countries.
Why File.Business

Premium compliance, no service-fee markup.

Trust you can verify

SOC 2 Type II audited platform. 220,000+ businesses served. 60-day money-back on service fees. State fees passed through at cost with no hidden markup. Explicit AUP on restricted industries.

A compliance partner, not a transaction

Most providers go quiet after checkout. We auto-track every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline across your entities. The Business OS dashboard keeps your compliance score visible year-round.

Premium experience competitors cannot match

Premium positioning, transparent pricing, no service-fee markup on state or federal filings. Premium positioning, transparent pricing, no service-fee markup on state filings.

Start your business in the next 5 minutes.

No state-fee markup. Pay only the state fee. 60-day money-back guarantee.

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