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?

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

4 min

What to Include on an Invoice

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

Required fieldsBusiness detailsLine itemsTax numbers

5 min

Invoice Numbering Systems

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

Sequential numberingCustom formatsAvoiding gapsAccounting software

3 min

Payment Terms Explained

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

6 min

Types of Invoices

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

Pro forma invoiceRecurring invoicesCredit memosInterim invoices

5 min

How to Send an Invoice

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

Email invoicesOnline invoicesPayment linksRead receipts

4 min

Following Up on Unpaid Invoices

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

Reminder emailsPhone follow-upsLate fee enforcementCollections

7 min

Invoice Taxes: A Small Business Guide

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

6 min

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