How to create an invoice
- Add your business. Your name or company name, address, email and, if you're registered, your tax number (VAT, GSTIN, EIN, ABN and so on). Upload a logo if you have one.
- Add the client. Their legal name and billing address. For business clients in the EU, UK, India or Australia, add their tax number too.
- Set the details. The invoice number, date and payment terms. The due date follows the terms automatically: "Net 30" means payment is due 30 days after the invoice date.
- List what you're billing. One line per product or service, with quantity and rate. Choose a tax type if you charge VAT, GST or sales tax.
- Download. Click Download PDF and choose Save as PDF in the print dialog. Send the PDF to your client.
Next time, click New. Your business details, currency and notes stay, and the invoice number goes up by one (INV-0001 → INV-0002).
What every invoice should include
The rules vary by country, but a complete invoice almost always has:
- the word "Invoice" (or "Tax Invoice" where the law asks for it, as in India and Australia);
- a unique, sequential invoice number. Don't reuse or skip numbers; tax authorities look for gaps;
- the invoice date and, if different, the date the work was delivered;
- your name, address and tax registration number, and the client's name and address;
- a description of each item, its quantity, unit price and line total;
- the tax rate and tax amount for each rate, the total before tax and the total payable;
- the due date and how to pay (bank details, IBAN/SWIFT, PayPal or UPI).
Invoice rules in common countries
| Country | What's special |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | VAT-registered businesses must show their VAT number, the VAT rate for each line and the total VAT. Retailers may issue a simplified invoice for sales up to £250. |
| European Union | For business-to-business services across EU borders, usually no VAT is charged and the invoice says "Reverse charge" along with both VAT numbers. Add that note under Notes and choose "No tax". |
| United States | There's no federal invoice format. Sales tax depends on the state and on what you sell; many services are not taxed. |
| Australia | A GST-registered business issues a "Tax invoice" showing its ABN. Change the title to "Tax invoice" and set GST at 10%. |
| India | GST-registered suppliers issue a tax invoice with GSTIN, HSN/SAC codes, place of supply and CGST/SGST or IGST. Use the GST invoice generator, which sets this up for you. |
This is a summary, not legal advice. If you're unsure what your invoices must show, ask your accountant or check your tax authority's website.
Payment terms explained
Due on receipt means pay now. Net 15 / Net 30 / Net 60 means the full amount is due 15, 30 or 60 days after the invoice date. Shorter terms get you paid faster. Freelancers commonly use Net 7 or Net 14. If you need a deposit first, send an estimate, then invoice part of it up front.
Getting paid from clients abroad
Invoice in the client's currency when you can; it's easier for them to approve. Then check what the transfer really costs you. Platforms like PayPal, Wise and Payoneer often add a margin to the exchange rate as well as a fee. Our exchange-rate markup calculator shows how much that hidden margin costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is this invoice generator really free?
Where is my data stored?
How do I download the invoice as a PDF?
Can I add VAT, GST or sales tax?
Can I invoice in euros, pounds or rupees?
What invoice number should I start with?
Can I save several invoices?
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