A good invoice gets paid faster. Clients pay what they understand, and they put aside anything that makes them stop and ask a question. Here is what every freelance invoice should include.
1. Your business details
Your name or business name, address and email. If you’re registered for tax, add your tax number too.
2. The client’s details
The company’s legal name, address, and the name of the person who approves payment. Ask for this at the start of the project, not on invoicing day.
3. A unique invoice number
Number invoices in order (for example INV-0041, INV-0042). It makes payments easy to match, and your accountant will thank you.
4. The invoice date and the due date
Write the actual due date, not only “Net 30”. A date is harder to miss than a rule.
5. Clear line items
Describe each piece of work in words the client will recognise: “Homepage design, round 2”, not “Design work”.
6. Hours and rates
For hourly work, show the hours, the rate and the total for each line. It shows the client exactly what they are paying for.
7. Taxes, if you charge them
Show sales tax, VAT or GST as a separate line, with the rate. If you don’t charge tax, some places require a short note saying why.
8. The total, in the right currency
Put the total where nobody can miss it, and say which currency it is in. “$” alone can mean several different dollars.
9. How to pay you
A payment link, bank details, or both. The easier it is to pay, the sooner you’re paid.
Make it the same every time
Clients pay faster when every invoice looks the same and lands on the same day. In Larkbill, your details, the client’s details and the numbering are filled in for you, and the line items come straight from your tracked time.