Free Templates
Employment Forms
Free employment form templates for hiring, managing, and offboarding — from offer letters to termination notices.
Every hire creates a legal relationship. Getting your employment paperwork right protects both your business and your employees — clearly setting expectations from day one. These free templates cover the full employment lifecycle: the offer that starts the relationship, the agreement that governs it, the contractor agreement for 1099 workers, and the termination letter that ends it professionally. All are customizable and free to use.
State law matters. Employment law varies significantly by state — especially in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington. Verify non-compete enforceability, final pay timing, and leave requirements for your state before using these templates.
Offer Letter
Start HereA professional offer letter covering position, start date, compensation, benefits summary, and at-will employment terms. The first document every new hire should receive.
Download Template →Employment Agreement
A comprehensive employment contract defining job duties, compensation, benefits, confidentiality, non-compete, and termination procedures.
Use Contract Generator →Termination Letter
Documents the end of an employment relationship — voluntary resignation acceptance or involuntary termination. Covers final pay, return of property, and reference policy.
Download Template →Independent Contractor Agreement
PopularEstablishes a contractor relationship (not employee), specifying project scope, payment terms, IP ownership, and confidentiality. Critical for avoiding worker misclassification.
Use Contract Generator →Employee Handbook Acknowledgment
A simple acknowledgment form employees sign confirming they've received and read your employee handbook. Protects you in disputes over policy awareness.
Download Template →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an offer letter and an employment agreement? +
An offer letter is a brief, informal document confirming the job offer. An employment agreement is a detailed, binding contract that governs the entire employment relationship. For most at-will roles, an offer letter is sufficient. For senior hires, executives, or specialized roles, a full employment agreement is recommended.
Do I need to use an independent contractor agreement? +
Yes — anytime you hire a 1099 contractor. The agreement establishes their status as an independent contractor (not an employee), specifies deliverables, payment terms, and who owns the intellectual property created. Without it, you risk worker misclassification claims and unclear IP ownership.
Is at-will employment the default in the US? +
In most US states, yes. At-will means either party can end the employment relationship at any time, for any legal reason, without notice. Exceptions include employment contracts with defined terms, union agreements, and certain protected-class terminations. Always include at-will language explicitly in your offer letter.
What should a termination letter include? +
At minimum: effective date of termination, final paycheck timing (follow your state's final pay laws), information about benefits continuation (COBRA), instructions for returning company property, and whether severance applies. Keep it factual and professional — avoid emotional language.
Do employment forms need to be state-specific? +
Employment law varies significantly by state. California, New York, and other states have stricter requirements around non-competes, final pay timing, paid sick leave, and discrimination protections. Use our templates as a starting point, but verify compliance with your state's specific employment laws before use.