How to Write a Simple Invoice: 6 Steps & Free Invoice Template

There are 10 elements of an invoice that you should be aware of, some of which are necessary while others can be used for customization. The smart thing is to use the right tool for the job, an invoice generator. Some of these elements are necessary, while others are extra or used only for customization.

Step 6: Create an Itemized List of Services and Products

In a similar vein, you can charge them a penalty for missing the due date. But sometimes, you may need to take any discounts, prepayments and taxes into consideration before calculating the total amount. Using letters in your unique invoice number is helpful if you have multiple clients as you can simply assign a letter to each individual client. This makes it easier to keep track of and distinguish your invoices. To apply taxes to the fees for your goods or services on the invoice, you simply need to enter the tax rate that is applicable for your state or province.

• The document offers an itemized table of services with a column for the hours, rate, and amount you’re charging.
• You can keep the format as it is, or remove gridlines in the end once you’re done creating the invoice.
• In a matter of seconds, and just a few clicks, you’ll have a free, professional invoice to send to your customers.
• We’ll fill out your entire client information (phone, email, address) as you start typing the client name.
• Once you download the template, it’s yours to customize any way you want.

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If this is your first time creating an invoice, it’s best to start with a professional invoice template. Rather than breaking line items into specific hourly rates or quantities, this simple invoice allows you to list individual tasks or projects as their own billable items. Many businesses prefer to pay large invoices via wire or ACH, but this can require tedious and manual accounts receivable efforts.

Everything to Run Your Business

Preface this section with the words “invoice to” or just “to”, and then fill in all of the details. Read our guide on how to send an invoice, to learn the best way to send an invoice that saves your business time and money. First, you’ll want to include your business name, address and other business information near the top. Just above it, include an invoice number and date for easy reference. From small business owners to freelance entrepreneurs, there are many kinds of services that require tailored invoice generator or software.

Send an invoice after purchase

You can also download the PDF copy of your invoice to be printed out and mailed to customers. To create an invoice with our free invoice generator, follow these instructions and you’ll quickly have a professional invoice to send to your customers. To make payment seamless, add in the payment details within the invoice (including payment terms and methods).

• Most importantly, make sure your payment information including bank details are clearly stated, so there are no hold-ups for when it’s time to get paid.
• You can easily change the color scheme of this free invoice template by choosing from one of our one-click color themes.
• If you first need clarification on what an invoice is, then read this.
• The highlight of this invoice design is that it allows you to add images of your products to pinpoint the exact items sold.
• If you want to simplify math calculations, you can insert a SUM function in your worksheet, which automatically adds up your totals.

Your clients’ billing information is stored in the system and invoice numbers are generated automatically, so you can create invoices faster using cloud-based invoicing software. Invoicing software also allows clients to pay directly from the invoice, so you can get paid faster. Instead of mailing invoices and waiting for return payment by mail, which can hold up the payment process, choosing to email invoices can be the quicker solution.

Q: How can I process credit cards for my business?

In the gallery, use the search bar at the top right of the page to type the word “invoice”. Check out their preview, and scroll down the list until you’ve found the right template for your business. A receipt, on the other hand, is an accounting document that serves as proof of a business transaction. It acknowledges that the customer has paid for the goods or services sold.

Step #1: Start With an Invoice Template

• Stripe’s APIs help automate your invoicing workflows and accounts receivable processes.
• Add your company name at the top of this document, and be sure to include important company details such as your business address and a logo.
• If you’re making your invoice in Visme, you can easily make your invoices interactive by adding links to various elements.
• To mark a specific invoice type as past due, you can combine this with any of our other templates by copying the notice text and pasting it into another template doc.
• The taxes you collect from clients will vary depending on your location and type of business.
• Save the completed invoice as a PDF file, by following the steps we previously explained.

These are the five steps to writing an invoice effectively and professionally. For professionals with client engagements in person or remotely. Add as many details as you want including how to make an invoice item quantities, purchase order numbers, and invoice due date. It also comes with a built-in SUM function that automatically calculates your subtotal, sales tax, and ending total.

Can I send payment receipts with Square Invoices?

An invoice template comes with pre-made headers, sections, formatting and even placeholder content. So, all you need to do is replace the existing text with your own information. Once you’ve created an invoice with our invoice generator, you’ll be able to download a PDF copy of the invoice or get the PDF emailed to you directly. The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. There are a few additional benefits to emailing your invoice through Invoice Generator.