Revision Clause Freelance Contract Template UK | Revision Cap and Excess Billing
Scope creep is one of the most common disputes between UK freelancers and their clients, and without a clearly written revision clause, you have no contractual basis to charge for extra work. A revision clause freelance contract defines exactly how many rounds of amendments are included in the agreed fee, what counts as a revision versus a new instruction, and how excess revisions are billed. This protects your income and gives clients predictable costs from the outset. Under UK contract law, any variation to agreed work should be documented to be enforceable, and invoices for additional work must meet the payment terms set out under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998. Generate your revision clause freelance contract now and remove the ambiguity before the project starts.
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Key clauses in a Freelance Contract
Revision Cap Definition
This clause sets an explicit limit on the number of revision rounds included within the quoted fee, and defines precisely what constitutes a revision versus a new or materially different instruction. Without this definition in writing, UK courts may treat verbal or email agreements as varying the original contract, leaving freelancers unable to recover additional costs.
Excess Revision Billing Rate
This clause states the hourly or per-round rate that applies once the capped revisions are exceeded, and specifies how and when those additional invoices will be raised. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, statutory interest of 8% above the Bank of England base rate applies to overdue business invoices, so having a clear billing mechanism strengthens your right to pursue late payment.
Client Approval and Sign-Off
This clause requires the client to formally approve each stage of work before revisions to that stage can be requested, creating a clear record of what was accepted and when. This sign-off trail is essential evidence if a payment dispute reaches the UK small claims court or if a client attempts to withhold payment claiming deliverables were unsatisfactory.
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Generate free →Frequently asked questions
Is a revision clause legally enforceable in a UK freelance contract?
Yes, provided it is clearly written and agreed by both parties before work begins. Under UK contract law, terms must be incorporated into the contract at the point of agreement to be binding, so sending a revision clause after work has started may not be enforceable. Written acceptance by email is generally sufficient to form a binding agreement in England and Wales.
Can I charge VAT on excess revision invoices if I am VAT registered?
Yes, if you are VAT registered with HMRC, VAT at the applicable rate must be added to any additional invoices you raise for work exceeding the agreed revision cap. The excess revision charges are a taxable supply of services, treated no differently from your original project invoice for VAT purposes. Your VAT registration number should appear on all invoices you issue.
What happens if a client refuses to pay for revisions they requested beyond the agreed cap?
If you have a signed contract with a clear revision cap and a documented record of the client requesting additional rounds, you have grounds to pursue the outstanding amount through the UK small claims court for debts up to £10,000 in England and Wales. You are also entitled to add statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 from the date the invoice became overdue. Keeping email trails and version histories significantly strengthens your position.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contracto generates AI-assisted contract templates — they are not a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor. For high-value or complex engagements, always seek independent legal review.