Free Invoice Template

An invoice is a form that is generated by a self-employed individual or company when collecting payment from a customer for a product or service. The document is usually dated and includes key information such as the address and names of both parties. 

Invoices also generally include a description of the product or services that were delivered along with their corresponding prices presented in a line-by-line structure. Any taxes should also be added to the total amount. 

When running your own business, invoices are an essential document to ensure that you can receive payments efficiently and keep track of sales. If you’re new to creating invoices, simply filling in your information on a blank invoice template can make the process much faster and easier.

Invoice Example

With our Invoice example below, review what information you need to include,as well as how to outline it. 

Use this to create an Invoice to charge clients for your products or services. 

Invoice from:__________ Invoice to: __________

[Name]__________ [Name]__________

[Address]__________ [Address]__________

[Contact information]__________ [Contact information]__________

Invoice number #: __________

Invoice date: __________

Invoice due date: __________

Product or Service   Description   QuantityUnit priceAmount

________________________________________________

Subtotal:__________

Tax rate:__________

Tax:__________

Shipping:__________

Total:__________

Terms & Conditions (e.g. Payment methods)

There are many different types of invoices that can be used depending on the type of work that has been performed. The most common of these are listed below: 

• Basic invoice: standard invoice for an amount due by an individual or company for services or products provided, such as catering or construction materials.

• Services invoice: used to collect payments for a service that was rendered, such as repair or carpeting work. 

• Contractor/freelancer invoice: providing a receivable to a customer as an individual or company for services performed or products provided, such as graphic design or photography.

• Medical invoice: provided by a doctor, medical practice, or hospital for health care costs.

• Consultant invoice: used by individual consultants and consulting firms when providing professional services to another party.

• Lawyer invoice: to be paid by a client for which law-related work was carried out by an attorney or lawyer.

• Business invoice: used by small businesses or firms to collect payments for goods or services provided, such as a house painting company.

• Commercial invoice: used when sending a package, usually to detail what is inside the shipment for customs officials.

• Lease-rental invoice: states the rent that must be paid by a tenant to a landlord.

There are a number of important considerations that need to be featured on an invoice for it to be properly used. A completed document will normally include the following key details and points of information: 

• Name, address, contact details, and unique identifier of the individual or company that provided the product or service

• Name and address of the customer being invoiced 

• A clear description of what is being charged 

• Amount(s) being charged 

• Payment terms

• Supply date on which the goods or services were provided 

• Invoice date

• Value-added tax (VAT) if applicable

• The total amount owed by the customer

It’s also important to note that if you're a sole trader, the invoice must also include your name and any business name being used, as well as the address where legal documents should be sent. 

In addition, if your company is a limited liability company (LLC), its full company name as it appears on the articles of incorporation must be used. 

Writing a well-formulated invoice involves more than just including the essential pieces of information. It’s also important to structure your document correctly and to write it in a professional manner.

Follow the steps below to create an invoice correctly: 

• Use a professional template with the right fonts and styling 

• Clearly include the word invoice as a header on the document

• Include all necessary information

• Double-check the amounts owed and if tax applies

• Use a line-by-line structure

If you’re new to collecting payments, it can help to see a real example of an invoice before creating your own. View our sample invoice below to get a good idea of what your document should look like when completed.

There are various documents that are related to invoices in their structure and purpose. If you own a own business or are self-employed, the following forms might be helpful for you to use: 

• Independent contractor agreement 

• Service agreement

• Lease agreement