How to Invoice as a Freelancer: What to Include

Simply save the template and update the details—such as dates, services, and amounts—for each billing cycle. Whatever timing works for you, make recording transactions sure to follow up on unpaid invoices and track your payments. For larger projects that take weeks or months to complete, invoicing at key milestones is a smart way to ensure you’re getting paid along the way.

Step #1: Put in your project name

So, take the knowledge you’ve gained from this comprehensive guide HVAC Bookkeeping and start creating polished, efficient invoices that reflect your professionalism and dedication to your craft. Remember, a well-structured invoice sets the stage for open communication, ensures prompt payments, and nurtures lasting partnerships. As you implement these strategies, you’re not only streamlining your invoicing process but also strengthening the foundation of your freelance career.

Fill in your client’s details

• This means you invoice your clients on a consistent schedule, such as the first or last day of every month.
• It’s also a good practice to include the name and contact details of the customer you’re invoicing.
• By automating the invoicing process with an invoice generator, you can focus on your core freelance work without the hassle of manually creating multiple invoices..
• Professional invoices should always include these terms, which cover everything needed during the payment process.

FreshBooks has a free downloadable invoice template for graphic designers as well as other free invoice templates for creatives. Adjust the font and choose a theme color that reflects your branding. Remember, your invoice should be relatively simple and easy for the client to scan and understand. Our detailed guide on how to invoice as a freelancer will help you create professional invoices. Using invoicing software can make the client billing process much easier for you.

Add the Date On Each Invoice

• That might vary by customer, which is why it helps to use shared inbox softwareat your business.
• One of the aspects often forgotten by freelancers is following up after they have completed an order.
• Depending on your industry and the customers you work with, you may want to adjust this template to fit your individual needs.
• Here are four things to keep in mind when sending an invoice for freelance work.

A recent survey found that 74% of freelancers aren’t getting paid on time regularly. Close to 60% are owed $50,000 or more for already completed work. Make sure to include and separately list any applicable taxes and that you understand tax rules for freelancers. The most important information on the invoice is the breakdown of the goods and services provided.

Explain How to Pay

But keeping the money in cash or in a checking account also isn’t a good idea, Arlotta said. You’re losing potential value, yes, but you’re also likely to spend that money when it’s so easily accessible. But the exact percentage you save will depend on your state and county, so saving on the low end might come back to haunt you when tax time comes. The offers that appear on how to invoice as a freelancer this site are from companies that compensate us. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.

You need to let your customers know who to contact and how to connect with you if needed to discuss the invoice. If you don’t have a business name, you can simply put your own name—whatever your client knows you by. In this case, put your first name, middle initial, and last name. This is also the place to list the types of payment you’ll accept, such as checks, credit cards, online banking transfers, or any other platforms like PayPal or Venmo. If you don’t have your own logo or branding yet, just make sure all of your information is clear and easy to see.

For ongoing work with clients, get in the habit of sending invoices at a regular time. But if you prefer doing your invoicing on the 15th or some other time, that works, too. Include an invoice number to keep a record of all your paid invoices.

• The best way to ensure that you invoice correctly is to send the invoices out regularly.
• This is typical in the design industry, so consider yourself warned if the client refuses to pay up.
• We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site.
• This will help boost your revenue and the value offered to your clients.
• Discover how to write an invoice for freelance work that’s professional and comprehensive.

Sending an inaccurate invoice can quickly damage your relationship with customers. Include the name of the product or service, the quantity provided, and the cost of each one. Invoice software is useful here because it can calculate totals automatically – ensuring you charge customers the right amount for each service.