What do freelancers need to know about client contracts and terms?

Whether it’s for that first-ever, hard-won assignment or instead as part of a long-established client relationship, an intelligently-written contract is absolutely vital to a freelancer. With a little help in some instances from a suitably qualified and experienced accountantin Surrey from Sherwin Currid (http://www.sherwincurrid.com), astute freelancers can ensure that their agreed terms are absolutely watertight in the protection of their own interests.

The right contracts and terms are vital to protect a business, especially a freelance business where that may be little room for manoeuvre if things go wrong. That’s why the many freelance professionals that make use of small business accountants in Surrey are advised to keep a record of absolutely everything relating to the projects that they carry out, including client requirements, timescales and other considerations. Any changes that are made to the brief mid-project will also need to be documented.

As the legal document, the contract is certainly important in its own right. However, it can also refer to various vital supporting documents. These can include the proposal, which needs to demonstrate your complete understanding of the requirements of the client and your ability to satisfy that brief. It should also make clear the actions that you will take to satisfy that requirement. Also imperative is the schedule, which should detail an agreed start date, delivery date and mid-project progress points where your or the client’s action will be required.

Also playing a major role in protecting the company that uses a tax accountant in Surrey is its standard terms and conditions. This document outlines the standard terms under which you conduct your business, and can include your credit terms as well as any conditions attached to your client’s cancellation of work – such as when they will need to pay a cancellation fee. Your contract will also need to document the terms of your service as far as IR35 is concerned. You can turn to us for advice on IR35, ensuring that the contract accurately reflects your role.

From this blog, we can only ever provide general advice on contracts, and would always advise you to contact a legal professional for further assistance. Nonetheless, there are various basic details that will be needed in a contract, including your company name, title and address, right through to the aforementioned supporting documentation. In writing the contract, you will also need to consider various aspects of your costs, such as whether to charge by the hour or as a fixed price for the entire project. Nothing in the contract should be left open to misinterpretation, and to that end, it helps to thoroughly interview the client on their requirements and objectives before work starts.

A smallbusiness accountant in Surrey from Sherwin Currid (http://www.sherwincurrid.com) can provide a host of related services – including IR35 reviews – to better protect your freelance business.

Editor’s Note: Sherwin Currid (http://www.sherwincurrid.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.