You can give each of your customers a unique ID, and then have separate number sequences for each of them. For example, if you are creating an invoice related to the project 2550, the first invoice for the project can be 2550-001, the second 2550-002 and so on. If you work with your clients on a project-basis, it is possible to give a unique ID to each project and use that as a prefix for your invoices. The following are some non-sequential ways you can number your invoices: Project-Based

In others, like in the U.S., you can have any invoice ID as long as its unique. In some jurisdictions a sequential invoice number is required by law. However, it is common to have a prefix (e.g.: INV-001) or a bigger starting number (e.g.: 1001). The easiest approach is to simply start with one (1) and work up from there. The simplest way to do this is to have a single invoice numbering format, and increment the number per each invoice you generate. Thus, every invoice you send should have a unique number, and duplicate numbers should be avoided. The invoice ID is an essential element in your invoice, as it allows you (and your clients) to easily identify and refer to individual transactions without ambiguity. This is sometimes referred to as the Invoice ID. You can further customize your invoice with brand elements-for example, you can upload your logo to the header. In the To field, mention those details of your customer. In the From field in this invoice creator tool, add the contact details of your business, such as your name or business name, the address, phone number, email and website URL.

The invoice should clearly state who it is from (you, the seller), and who it is for (your customer). The invoice should be labelled as such: the title of the invoice template should say “Invoice” (in some jurisdictions, you must say “Tax Invoice”). In the following section we explain the essential elements you should include in your invoices. With software such as this online invoice maker, it becomes even easier to make invoices. To record revenue for business tax filingsĬreating an invoice is simple and straightforward.To forecast and plan for future sales using past data.To track of stock and inventory (for businesses selling products).To request payment from clients for products/services provided.The functions served by different types of invoices include: They are useful in keeping a complete record of the sales transactions your business makes with your clients. Invoices are used as a source document for business accounting. You should not simply delete the incorrect invoice from your records as this could lead to accounting problems later. If you issue an incorrect invoice to a client, it should be cancelled and a new invoice issued with the correct information. They keep track of your revenue, monies owed to you by clients, and in the unfortunate case of a client not paying you, record bad debts that are written-off.Īn invoice is a legal document. Invoices are an essential element in managing the accounts and financial records of your business. The formal definition of an invoice, as offered by the Oxford English Dictionary, is as follows: “A list of goods sent or services provided, with a statement of the sum due for these a bill.” Thus, an invoice is a request for payment. It specifies what the customer must pay you according to your payment terms. ContentsĪn invoice is a document you (the seller) send to your customer or client (the buyer) that indicates the amount and costs of the products or services that have been provided by you. In this article we will briefly explain the function of an invoice, how to generate one on your own (you can use our free invoice templates for this) or with our free invoice maker, how customize and send the invoice to your client (or invoice online), and what to do when you receive the payment. Welcome to this guide to invoicing with our free online invoice generator.

Free invoice