What to put on an invoice.

The essentials (every invoice needs these)

• The word "Invoice" — so it isn't mistaken for a quote or receipt.
• A unique invoice number — for your records and theirs (e.g. 0001, 0002…).
• Your name/business and contact info — and address if you have one.
• The client's name and details — who is being billed.
• Issue date and due date — a specific due date, not "upon completion".
• Itemized list of work — description, quantity, rate, line total.
• Subtotal, tax, and total due — the total should be the most prominent number.
• How to pay — a payment link, and/or bank details.

The extras that get you paid faster

• A one-tap payment link. Friction is the enemy of speed — let them pay by card in one click.
• Clear payment terms. "Net 14" or "due on receipt" sets the deadline.
• A stated late fee. e.g. "1.5%/month on overdue balances." Use the late-fee calculator to price it.
• A PO or reference number if your client is a larger company — it routes the invoice through their system.
• A short thank-you. It costs nothing and keeps the relationship warm.

What you can leave off

You don't need a logo, a long letterhead, or accounting jargon. A clean, scannable invoice gets paid faster than a fancy one. If you're not registered for tax, you don't add tax — just show $0 or omit the line.