Download the invoice template file formats below:
What is an Invoice?
An invoice is a document or bill used to list products or services given to a client that includes the cost of those services. An invoice is sent from the supplier to the customer. You send an invoice to someone because they owe your business money.
Invoices come in all shapes and sizes. They can be handwritten on a scrap of paper, put together in a word processor, or created using specialist software.
Key elements of an invoice
Invoices vary depending on who is sending them. Here are 10 key elements an invoice must have:
- The word “Invoice“. This is placed at the top of the page as the title of the document.
- An invoice number. Every invoice you send should have a different number. The easiest approach is to start with invoice number one for the first invoice you send out, and work up from there.
- Details of the product or service provided. That way, your client can see what they’re paying for.
- The date the invoice was sent and the date the product or service was delivered. For example, as a writer I include the date my article was accepted for publication, or the date it was published, depending on what my client prefers.
- The name and contact information of the seller or service provider.
- The name and contact information of the buyer.
- A breakdown of costs. What were the different project components you delivered to complete a project, and how much did each component cost? Optionally, you can list your hourly rate, and the time you spent on each project component.
- The total amount due. This figure is usually prominently displayed on the invoice, as it is the most important part of the invoice.
- Payment details. Such as your bank account or PayPal details.
- A due date for payment, and details of late payment fees. Late payment fees encourage your clients to pay what they owe promptly.
These information should be present in any structure invoice. Download the invoice template file formats below:
