How to make an invoice for freelance work

The same core fields appear on virtually every professional invoice. Missing any of them usually means a follow-up email from your client — or a delayed payment.

• Invoice number. A unique reference such as INV-001 (or a per-client project code). Sequential numbering makes it easy to find an invoice in your records later.
• Issue date and due date. The date you send the invoice and the date payment is due. Common terms are net 7, net 14, or net 30 (days after issue) — pick one you can actually enforce.
• Your details. Your business name and contact email, so the client knows exactly who is billing them and where to reply.
• Bill-to details. The client's name and company, exactly as they should appear on their records.
• Line items. One row per service or product: a short description, quantity, rate, and the amount (quantity × rate). Specific beats vague — “Logo design, 10 hours, $80/hr” is clearer than “Services”.
• Subtotal, discounts, and tax. The subtotal (sum of all line items), any discount you agreed on, and tax if you charge it — VAT, sales tax, or similar — with the rate stated explicitly.
• Total due. The final amount, clearly visible. This is the number your client pays.
• Payment terms and notes. When payment is due, how to pay (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.), and any late-payment terms. A short thank-you doesn't hurt.

1. Add your business name and contact email.
2. Give the invoice a number and set the issue and due dates.
3. Add the client's name and company.
4. List each item with a description, quantity, and rate — the amount is calculated for you.
5. Add a tax rate and any discount you've agreed to.
6. Review the totals, then add your payment terms to the notes.
7. Download the PDF and send it to your client.

If you use Billet, steps 1–6 happen on one page with a live preview that renders as you type — you only pay when you download the finished PDF.