What is an Invoice? Example and Template Bench Accounting

Your customer needs this so they know how long they have to pay you. Depending on the template you use, it may also include a due date for payment. In the event you get audited, you’ll need organized, numbered invoices, so you can explain to the IRS where your money came from.

If you’re selling to a business, the invoiced amount gets entered as accounts payable on their end—money coming out of their pocket. For your bookkeeping, it becomes an item in your accounts receivable—money going into your pocket. Learn how to build, read, and use financial statements for your business so you can make more informed decisions. Easy-to-use templates and financial ratios provided. The magic happens when our intuitive software and real, human support come together.

Book a demo today to see what running your business is like with Bench. You can create a very simple invoice using Free Invoice Generator. When you use the tool, it automatically saves your info, so you can create invoices more quickly in the future. Invoice numbers can help you keep track of work you’ve done.

Word History

Some will even let you email the invoice from within the app to streamline the process. This approach only really makes sense if you already use the same software for your regular accounting needs. Otherwise, an invoicing software—such as FreshBooks—may be a better choice. With this method, you can use a software template—in Microsoft Word or Excel, for example—each time you send an invoice.

Typical terms are “Net 30” or “Net 14”—meaning 30 days or 14 days, respectively. Each product you charge for should be entered as a separate line item, with a price and quantity. All of the line items are added up at the bottom and, if necessary, tax is applied. Make sure the “total amount” is nice and clear. Every invoice you send needs to include the following.

Less stress for you, more time to grow your business. If you offer your clients discounts for early payment, that info will be included here. Noting “2/10 Net 30” means a client has 30 days to pay you, but if they pay within ten days, you’ll give them a 2% discount. Be explicit about any late fees in the case of late payments.

Choose Your Invoice Template Design

Since they’re often mixed up by entrepreneurs new to invoicing, they’re worth mentioning here. If you can read an income statement, you can read your business. If you get audited, the IRS will look for invoicing inconsistencies as a sign you’ve been misreporting income. This is the amount of time a client has to pay you.

• This can help clients who are struggling to make payments.
• Otherwise, an invoicing software—such as FreshBooks—may be a better choice.
• There’s a good selection of simple invoice templates for both Google Doc and Google Sheets available from Invoice Simple.
• In the event you get audited, you’ll need organized, numbered invoices, so you can explain to the IRS where your money came from.

Quickly customize an invoice with important details like your company name, address, line items, taxes, totals, and terms. Dive into the history of accounting with this blog post! Learn about the Waste Book, why it’s the oldest book in accounting and how it’s still relevant today. Every invoice you send should be clearly marked with a unique number. This number can in fact be a combination of letters and digits.

Promote Your Brand with a Free Invoice Template

For instance, let’s say invoice meaning you wash windows for the local YMCA. A purchase order is sent by a customer to a vendor, requesting goods or services. It’s sent before the invoice is ever created.

Check out the different invoicing options and features below and never send out a boring invoice again.

• Save time and money by using one of over 100 free invoice designs.
• That means both your name and address, and the client’s.
• Typical terms are “Net 30” or “Net 14”—meaning 30 days or 14 days, respectively.

Picking the right fiscal year for your business can save you and your accountant a lot of time, money and stress. Here’s what you should consider when deciding on one. If you’re not fond of spreadsheets, you can create a .docx file with this free template. All your contact information should be included, in case the customer has a question and isn’t sure how to contact you. There are a few financial forms that are similar to an invoice, but play different roles.

Invoice numbers are important for two reasons. For example, when you go to a restaurant, the server doesn’t give you an invoice at the end of your meal—they give you a bill. Learn more about Bench, our mission, and the dedicated team behind your financial success. Get free guides, articles, tools and calculators to help you navigate the financial side of your business with ease. Empower yourself with knowledge and practical tips.

In that case, you can quickly create invoices online using free templates and generators. Here are a few of the simplest and most effective, organized by format. Many types of accounting software let you fill out an invoice template.

Send as a PDF

These templates are easy to use, but look like professional invoices. You can either attach the invoice to an email, or print it out and send a physical copy. There’s a good selection of simple invoice templates for both Google Doc and Google Sheets available from Invoice Simple. Once you open the invoice you’d like to use, just go to File and select “Make a copy…” to create a copy you can edit.

As a vendor, you would receive a purchase order, fulfill the order, and then send an invoice to collect payment. Not sure where to start or which accounting service fits your needs? Our team is ready to learn about your business and guide you to the right solution.