How to Write an Invoice: What to Include

A professional invoice answers every question a client might have before they ask it. That means fewer emails and faster payment.

What every invoice should include

• The word "Invoice" and a unique invoice number
• Your business name, address and contact details
• Your client's name and address
• The invoice date and the payment due date
• A clear list of work or items, with quantity, rate and amount
• Subtotal, any tax and the total due
• How to pay you: bank details, payment link or accepted methods
• Payment terms, such as "Due within 14 days"

Tips to get paid on time

• Send the invoice as soon as the work is done.
• Use short, clear payment terms.
• Make paying easy with more than one payment option.
• Follow up politely on the due date, then again a week later.

Quotes and receipts

A quote (or estimate) sets the price before work starts, which avoids surprises. A receipt confirms that you've been paid. Using matching templates for all three looks professional and keeps your records tidy.

Use a template

Our invoice and receipt templates include an invoice, quote and receipt, editable in Word and Google Docs. See more on the invoice templates page.

Tax rules for invoices vary by country and state. Check what applies to your business with an accountant or your local tax authority.

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