How to make an invoice (what to include, free template)
An invoice needs your business details, the customer's details, an invoice number, the invoice date and due date, a line for each item with quantity and price, tax, the total, and how to pay. Fill those in on a free invoice template, add your logo, and download a PDF or send a link the customer can pay from.
What to include
| Part | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Header | Your logo, business name, address, phone and email |
| Bill to | Customer name, company and address |
| Invoice number | A unique, sequential number (for example 1001, 1002…) |
| Dates | Invoice date and due date (for example "due in 14 days") |
| Line items | Description, quantity, unit price and line total |
| Totals | Subtotal, tax, any discount, and the amount due |
| How to pay | Accepted methods, bank details or a pay link, and late-payment terms |
Tips
- Never reuse an invoice number.
- Describe work specifically ("Replace kitchen faucet, parts and labour") so there are no questions.
- Check whether you need to charge sales tax on what you sell where you sell it.
Make one free
The invoice generator has 144 designs. Add your logo and items and download a PDF free with an account (3 a month), with no watermark. Inside a workspace, each invoice also gets a link to view and pay; card payments cost 3.9% + 30¢ each when you connect Stripe.
Questions
- Do invoices need an invoice number?
- Yes. A unique, sequential number makes invoices easy to track and is expected by most accountants and tax authorities.
- What's the difference between an invoice and a receipt?
- An invoice asks for payment; a receipt confirms a payment was made.
- Can customers pay an invoice online?
- Yes, when you connect Stripe: the invoice link has a pay button and the money goes to your Stripe account.