Since 2023, a client who hires a freelancer in Columbus for $250 or more must put it in writing and pay within 30 days, and that includes the City of Columbus itself.
What happens when
Before you startGet it in writingThe contract, with the payment date. Ask for it in writing, so there's a record you did.
Work doneSend your invoiceInvoice the day you finish, so the 30 days and your due date line up.
Day 30Payment dueOr the date you agreed in writing.
Not paidRemind, then complainColumbus Labor Commission.
What the law says
Columbus, Ohio
Freelance Worker Protections · since
Applies at
$250: one contract, or all of this client's contracts in the 120 days before
Who
A person or one-person company working as an independent contractor.
Contract
In writing, drafted by your client unless you both use yours, with:
both names and mailing addresses
the work, itemized, with its value, rate and how you're paid
the payment date, no later than 30 days after you finish
Paid by
By the date in the contract, or within 30 days after you finish.
Records
Your client keeps the contract 5 years.
Also
They can't make paying on time depend on you taking less.
They can't punish you for using the law.
If not
The city can cut a business's tax breaks, take back subsidies or bar it from city work. No damages to you under this law.
Columbus's law gives you no damages to sue for. You complain to the city's Labor Commission, and the city can cut a business's tax breaks, take back subsidies or bar it from city contracts. To get your money, you still need your contract and, if it comes to it, small claims court. Ohio has no statewide law.
General information from the
law's own text, not legal advice. For your case, ask the agency named above or a lawyer.