What belongs on a professional invoice
The details that help you get paid on time, in plain language.
An invoice is a request for payment, and it works best when the person approving it has no questions left to ask. Most late payments come from missing information rather than unwillingness to pay.
The essentials
Your business name and contact details, the customer's details, a unique invoice number, the date issued, a clear description of what was delivered, the amount due with any tax shown separately, the payment due date, and how to pay.
If tax applies in your country, show the rate and the tax amount as separate lines rather than folding them into a single total.
Small habits that speed up payment
Use sequential invoice numbers, send the invoice to the person who approves it rather than the person who requested the work, and keep the payment terms short and specific.
General information only. Invoice and tax requirements differ by country — check your local rules or speak to a qualified adviser.