How to Write an Invoice: What to Include (Freelancers & Small Businesses)

A clear invoice gets you paid faster and keeps your records clean at tax time. Here’s what to put on it.

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Must-have details

Your business name and contact details; the client's name and address; a unique invoice number; the issue date and due date; a description of each item or service with quantity, price and line total; subtotal, tax and total; and how to pay.

Payment terms that work

Net 14 or Net 30 are common. Say it explicitly ("Payment due within 14 days") and list exactly how to pay – bank details, a payment link or both. For new clients, consider a deposit before you start.

Getting paid faster

Send the invoice the day the work is delivered, name a specific person to send it to, and follow up politely the day after it's due. Clear line items reduce questions that delay payment.

Create one in a minute

The free Invoice Generator turns your details into a clean PDF – nothing is stored, so keep your own copies for your records.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an invoice number?

Yes – unique, sequential numbers keep your records and tax filings straight.

Should I charge sales tax?

It depends on your location and what you sell; check with your local tax authority or an accountant.

Can I change the currency?

Yes, the generator supports USD, EUR, GBP, PKR and AED.

🧾Free Invoice Generator
Create a professional PDF invoice in a minute.
Open tool →

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