Freelance Service Agreement format for Kerala — Generate instantly

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Kerala's growing pool of freelance designers, developers, writers and consultants — concentrated in Kochi's Infopark, Trivandrum's Technopark and Kozhikode — increasingly works with clients across India and abroad. A Freelance Service Agreement is what turns an informal WhatsApp engagement into an enforceable contract: it defines the scope of work, sets the payment schedule, clarifies who owns the deliverables and what happens if either side wants to walk away. Kerala freelancers face the same legal questions as freelancers anywhere in India — GST on services above ₹20 lakh annual turnover, TDS deduction by clients under Section 194J, and IP ownership of the work product — and a well-drafted contract addresses all three upfront. The agreement is governed by the Indian Contract Act, 1872, executed on Kerala-stamped paper (typically ₹200), and usually lists the courts of Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram or Kozhikode as the jurisdiction. ContractWala generates a Kerala-ready Freelance Service Agreement in two minutes, with milestone-based payment, kill fees, IP assignment and revisions limits built in.

Key clauses required under Indian law

  • Detailed scope of work with deliverables and acceptance criteria
  • Payment schedule — advance, milestones, final payment
  • GST and TDS handling (Section 194J)
  • IP ownership — assignment to client on full payment
  • Number of revisions and additional work charges
  • Termination, kill fee and refund policy
  • Governing law: Indian Contract Act, 1872; jurisdiction in Kerala courts

Free sample snippet

This Freelance Service Agreement is made on [DATE] at [CITY], Kerala, India,

BETWEEN [CLIENT NAME], having its [registered office / address] at [ADDRESS] (the "Client"),

AND [FREELANCER NAME], an individual residing at [ADDRESS] (the "Freelancer")...

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need GST registration as a freelancer in Kerala?

GST registration is mandatory once your aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh in a financial year (₹10 lakh for special category states). For inter-state services to clients outside Kerala, registration is required from the first rupee.

Who owns the IP — me or my client?

By default in India, the freelancer owns the IP in their work unless the contract assigns it. Standard practice is to assign IP to the client on receipt of full payment, which is the structure ContractWala uses.

Can I demand a kill fee if the client cancels?

Yes, if the contract provides for it. A kill fee of 25–50% of the unpaid contract value on early termination by the client is standard and enforceable.

Disclaimer: ContractWala provides AI-generated document drafts for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Please consult a qualified advocate for high-stakes agreements.