Practical examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants

Real-world examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants

Before definitions and legal theory, let’s look at how this plays out in the wild. The best way to understand an independent contractor agreement is to see it in context.

Below are several examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants that mirror what clients and VAs are actually signing right now. Names and details are fictional, but the structures reflect current practice in the US and internationally.

Example of a U.S.-based hourly social media virtual assistant agreement

Imagine a California marketing agency hiring a VA in Texas to manage Instagram and TikTok for three small business clients.

Key contract terms typically look like this:

• Scope of work: The agreement spells out that the VA will draft and schedule 60 posts per month, respond to comments during set hours, and prepare a monthly analytics report. It specifically excludes paid ad management and graphic design beyond simple templates.
• Hours and availability: The VA is available Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Central, with no obligation to respond outside those hours. The contract clarifies that the VA chooses where and how to work.
• Payment terms: $35/hour, invoiced twice monthly, payable within 14 days via ACH. Late payments incur a modest late fee after a grace period.
• Independent contractor status: A dedicated clause confirms the VA is an independent contractor, not an employee, responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and equipment. The client will not withhold income or payroll taxes.
• Content ownership: The agreement states that all posts and reports created under the contract are “work made for hire,” with full rights assigned to the client upon payment.

This is one of the best examples to show how an hourly structure works while protecting both sides from misunderstandings about scope and availability.

Example of an international executive virtual assistant on a monthly retainer

Next, consider a New York startup founder hiring a Philippines-based executive VA.

In this example of an independent contractor agreement, the contract usually:

• Defines a retainer: $1,200 per month for up to 80 hours, with a clear hourly rate for overages.
• Lists core duties: Inbox triage, calendar management, travel research, light project coordination, and meeting notes.
• Sets communication rules: Required response times during overlapping hours (for example, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern) and preferred tools (Slack, Zoom, email).
• Addresses time zones and holidays: The VA can observe local holidays but must give advance notice. The client’s public holidays are optional.
• Clarifies jurisdiction and law: The agreement chooses New York law and specifies that disputes are resolved through arbitration in New York, but allows remote participation.
• Data security and confidentiality: Strong non-disclosure language covers access to investor decks, financials, and product roadmaps, plus basic security obligations like using password managers and two-factor authentication.

This kind of agreement reflects 2024–2025 trends: cross-border hiring, heavy reliance on cloud tools, and heightened expectations around data protection.

Example of a project-based launch virtual assistant with performance bonuses

Now picture a digital course creator hiring a launch VA for a 10-week project.

In this example of an independent contractor agreement for a virtual assistant, the contract is structured around milestones instead of hours:

• Project phases: Pre-launch setup, launch week support, and post-launch wrap-up.
• Deliverables: CRM setup, email sequences scheduled, webinar registration pages, live chat support during the launch, and a post-launch metrics report.
• Flat fee plus bonus: \(4,000 total, paid 40% upfront, 40% at launch, 20% at delivery of final report. A bonus of \)1,000 if revenue exceeds a specific target.
• Change requests: Any new platforms, extra webinars, or additional sequences are treated as out-of-scope and require a written change order.
• Cancellation terms: If the client cancels before launch, the agreement specifies what portion of the fee is non-refundable based on work already completed.

Among the best examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants, this project-based format is ideal when success is tied to a clear event and measurable results.

Example of a specialized podcast production virtual assistant

A business coach hires a VA to manage a weekly podcast.

In this scenario, the agreement often includes:

• Specific tasks: Upload audio files to a designated editor, write show notes, publish to the podcast host, schedule social posts, and update episode pages on the website.
• Content rights and licenses: The client owns the podcast content, but the VA may display screenshots or links in their portfolio with written permission.
• Turnaround times: For example, episodes delivered by Monday must go live by Thursday, with a clear buffer for edits.
• Tools and access: The VA uses the client’s podcast host, WordPress login, and social scheduling tools. The contract requires secure handling of logins.

This is a good example of how agreements can be tailored to niche VA services while still following the same independent contractor structure.

Example of a real estate virtual assistant working with multiple agents

A real estate brokerage brings on a VA to support three different agents under one contract.

This example of an independent contractor agreement for a virtual assistant typically:

• Clarifies who the client is: The brokerage, not the individual agents, is the legal client.
• Defines tasks: Listing data entry, updating CRM entries, sending templated emails, coordinating showings, and preparing basic marketing flyers.
• Confidentiality and compliance: Strong confidentiality terms around client financial data and personal information, plus a requirement to follow the brokerage’s written policies.
• Non-solicitation: The VA agrees not to bypass the brokerage to work directly with its agents or clients for a set period.

Because real estate involves sensitive data and regulatory rules, these agreements often have more detailed confidentiality and compliance language.

Example of a tech startup virtual assistant handling sensitive data

A fintech startup hires a VA to help with customer support triage and internal reporting.

In this example of an independent contractor agreement, data protection moves to center stage:

• Data handling obligations: The VA must follow written data security procedures, use only approved devices, and immediately report any suspected breach.
• Regulatory references: While the contract itself isn’t a law, it may reference compliance with data protection regulations that apply to the client’s business.
• Limited access: The VA only gets the minimum access needed and must use company accounts instead of personal ones.

This is one of the best examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants where security and privacy clauses are heavily emphasized.

Key clauses that show up in the best examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants

When you study these real examples side by side, patterns emerge. Strong VA contracts tend to cover the same categories, even if the wording changes.

Scope of work and boundaries

Every serious agreement clearly defines what the VA will and will not do. The best examples:

• Describe tasks in concrete terms instead of vague promises like “admin support.”
• Set limits on platforms, hours, or number of client accounts.
• Explain how new tasks will be quoted and approved.

This is what protects both sides from endless “quick favors” that quietly turn into unpaid work.

Payment structure and invoicing

In the examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants above, payment terms fall into a few patterns:

• Hourly: Common for general admin and social media work.
• Monthly retainer: Popular for executive assistants and ongoing support.
• Project-based: Used for launches, system setups, or one-time builds.

Good agreements specify the rate, invoicing schedule, payment method, late fees, and what happens if payments are missed.

Independent contractor status and tax responsibilities

To avoid confusion about employment status, most agreements explicitly say the VA is an independent contractor, not an employee. Typical language includes:

• The VA is responsible for their own income taxes, insurance, and benefits.
• The client does not provide equipment, paid leave, or employee benefits.
• The VA controls how and where work is performed, within agreed deadlines.

For U.S. readers, the IRS offers guidance on the difference between employees and independent contractors at irs.gov.

Confidentiality, IP, and portfolio use

Almost all examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants include:

• A confidentiality clause covering business plans, client lists, login credentials, and other non-public information.
• Intellectual property terms stating who owns what. Many clients insist on full ownership of work product upon payment.
• Optional portfolio rights, allowing the VA to show anonymized work samples with prior written approval.

Data protection and remote work realities

With nearly all VA work happening online, contracts increasingly address:

• Use of password managers and two-factor authentication.
• Secure Wi-Fi and device protection.
• Limits on working from public networks without a VPN.

Organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission offer practical data security tips for small businesses at ftc.gov.

How 2024–2025 trends are shaping independent contractor agreements for VAs

The examples above aren’t static. They reflect broader trends in remote work and regulation.

More cross-border hiring

U.S. and UK businesses are hiring VAs from lower-cost regions at higher rates than a few years ago. That means more agreements now:

• Specify the governing law and dispute resolution forum.
• Address currency conversion and transfer fees.
• Clarify which country’s holidays and working norms apply.

Stronger emphasis on privacy and security

With increased awareness of data breaches and privacy rules, even small clients are tightening their contracts. You’ll see more:

• Detailed security expectations.
• Requirements to follow written policies.
• Immediate termination rights if security rules are ignored.

Clearer boundaries on AI use

By 2025, many examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants include a short clause about AI tools. Typical language might:

• Allow AI for drafting or brainstorming but not for handling sensitive personal data.
• Require the VA to review and edit AI-generated output.
• Prohibit uploading confidential documents to public AI tools without written consent.

If you want a more general overview of contract basics and legal writing, many universities publish open resources; for example, the University of Texas has contract drafting materials at law.utexas.edu.

Practical tips for using these examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants

You can treat these examples as a checklist when drafting or reviewing your own contract.

For clients:

• Match the structure to the work: hourly, retainer, or project-based.
• Spell out communication expectations and response times.
• Be explicit about confidentiality, IP ownership, and data security.

For virtual assistants:

• Confirm how and when you’ll be paid, and what happens if payments are late.
• Watch for non-compete or non-solicitation language that could limit your future work.
• Make sure the independent contractor clause reflects reality: you should control your own schedule and methods.

For both sides, consider having a licensed attorney in your state or country review the agreement. General legal information from sites like usa.gov can help you find low-cost or free legal aid options in the U.S.

FAQ: examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants

Q: Can you give a simple example of an independent contractor agreement for a part-time VA?
A: A typical part-time VA contract might say the VA will provide up to 40 hours per month of admin support at $30/hour, invoiced monthly, with payment due within 15 days. It confirms the VA is an independent contractor, includes confidentiality and IP clauses, and allows either party to terminate with 14 days’ notice.

Q: What are common red flags when reviewing examples of VA independent contractor agreements?
A: Red flags include vague scope of work, no clear payment timeline, clauses that treat you like an employee while labeling you a contractor, overly broad non-compete language, and no mention of confidentiality or data security when you’ll be handling sensitive information.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to customize these examples of independent contractor agreement examples for virtual assistants?
A: You can start from templates or real examples, but a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction is the best person to confirm that the agreement fits your situation and local law. Many solo VAs use a template initially, then pay for a short legal review once their business grows.

Q: Are digital signatures valid for VA independent contractor agreements?
A: In the U.S. and many other countries, electronic signatures are widely recognized, especially under laws similar to the U.S. E-SIGN Act. For most VA agreements, a reputable e-signature platform is sufficient, but check local law if either party is in a country with stricter rules.

Q: How often should we update our independent contractor agreements for virtual assistants?
A: Many businesses review their agreements every year or whenever there’s a major change: new services, higher rates, different countries involved, or new data protection requirements. As you see from the 2024–2025 examples, expectations around privacy and AI use are changing fast, and contracts should keep up.