A sales invoice is sent by a product or service provider, showing a list of products or services, and an obligation on the part of the purchaser to pay. It serves as a written verification of the agreement between the buyer and seller of said goods and services. While the invoice seems like an informal document, it is an important part of the record-keeping system of your business as it records sales transactions. Our website offers numerous ready-made Blank Invoice Templates in Microsoft Word format for you to use. Simply go to our website, sign in, and download the template now.
How to Create an Invoice
An invoice is used to notify clients and customers that payment is due for products delivered or services performed. It should also include the amount that your customer owes, and where they should send the payment. Here are some tips to help you create your invoice:
1. Create a Header
Your header should include basic information about your company in a professional font at the top of the document. Basic information includes the company name and logo, business address, and contact details. Your tax identification number should also be included. As laws vary per municipality or state, be sure that you know your local tax code in case you collect sales tax or other usage tax.
2. Indicate Recipient Name
Include the recipient's contact information, then add the invoice number and details. Choose an invoicing system that you are comfortable with, such as a numeric system or a by-date system. Even if you prefer to use the by-date invoicing system, you should still indicate the date of the invoice, and mark it clearly on a separate line. An invoice due date will also be necessary to indicate when you expect to receive payment.
3. Specify the Payment Terms
Indicate in your invoice whether you take cash, checks, credit cards, or other forms of payment. Don’t forget to outline the terms of the late charge fee, if applicable.
4. Itemize the Products of Services
Make a chart to help you break down the information for your products and services. This could include the date, services or products, quantity, rate, hour, the subtotal amount due, and total amount due. Calculate the total, add sales tax, delivery fee, or other fees, and use bold fonts to make it easier for your customer to identify their total due.
General FAQs
What is an invoice?
An invoice is a document that businesses use to itemize and record transactions with their clients or customers. It also indicates different methods of payment available, and which method the customer opted to pay.
When should you issue an invoice?
Small-scale jobs or start-ups can issue invoices immediately after completing obligations. This is particularly helpful for plumbing, handyman businesses, or when clients are on-site. For longer-term clients, however, the invoice may be issued on days specified in your agreement with the client.
What are invoices used for?
Invoices are used for accounting purposes, as they are helpful in recording sales transactions. It can also be used to request timely payment from clients.
Are invoices and receipts the same?
No. the key difference is that invoices are issued before payment, to request compensation for goods and services, while receipts are issued after payment and serve as proof of transaction.
What details should be included in an invoice?
Some details necessary are the invoice number, your company name and address, your client’s company name and address, a breakdown of the goods and services rendered, date of supply, date of invoice, the amount for the goods and services to be paid, total amount payable, payment terms, and payment method.