Complete invoicing guide

Everything you need to know about invoicing

From writing your first invoice to getting paid faster: this guide covers everything small business owners and freelancers need to know.

8 chapters ~40 min total read

Quick links

Free invoice templates Invoice generator Payment terms guide Invoice laws by country

Guide chapters

What Is an Invoice?

4 min

The definition, purpose, and legal standing of an invoice: and how it differs from a quote, receipt, or purchase order.

Invoice definitionInvoice vs receiptInvoice vs quoteLegal requirements

What to Include on an Invoice

5 min

Every field you need to include to make an invoice valid, professional, and easy for clients to pay.

Required fieldsBusiness detailsLine itemsTax numbers

Invoice Numbering Systems

3 min

How to number invoices consistently so they're easy to track, audit, and reference in disputes.

Sequential numberingCustom formatsAvoiding gapsAccounting software

Payment Terms Explained

6 min

Net 30, Net 60, due on receipt: what every payment term means and which ones actually get you paid faster.

Net 30 / Net 60Early payment discountsLate feesRetainers

Types of Invoices

5 min

Pro forma, recurring, credit notes, and more. Know which invoice type to use in each situation.

Pro forma invoiceRecurring invoicesCredit memosInterim invoices

How to Send an Invoice

4 min

Email, PDF, or online payment link: the best ways to send invoices and the mistakes that delay payment.

Email invoicesOnline invoicesPayment linksRead receipts

Following Up on Unpaid Invoices

7 min

Scripts and sequences for chasing overdue invoices without damaging client relationships.

Reminder emailsPhone follow-upsLate fee enforcementCollections

Invoice Taxes: A Small Business Guide

6 min

Sales tax, VAT, GST: when to charge tax, how to calculate it, and how to display it correctly on invoices.

Sales taxVAT & GSTTax-exempt clientsInternational invoicing

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