What Should an Invoice Include?
Professional invoices contain several important sections that help businesses request payment clearly and maintain organised financial records.
This guide is part of our Invoice Examples and Invoice Rules hub.
Business information
Invoices should clearly display business information so customers know who the invoice is from.
- business name
- business address
- email address
- phone number
Customer information
Invoices should also include customer information to identify who owes payment.
- customer name
- company name
- billing address
- contact details
Invoice number
Every invoice should contain a unique invoice number.
Invoice numbers help businesses organise records and track payments.
Invoice date and due date
Invoices normally include both an invoice issue date and payment due date.
Payment terms commonly include:
- Net 7
- Net 14
- Net 30
- Due upon receipt
Invoice item descriptions
Invoices should clearly explain what products or services were provided.
- item descriptions
- quantities
- hourly rates
- unit pricing
- totals
Pricing and totals
Professional invoices normally contain:
- subtotal
- VAT if applicable
- discounts if used
- final total amount
Payment methods
Invoices should explain how customers can complete payment.
- bank transfer
- PayPal
- card payments
- payment instructions
Frequently asked questions
What should invoices include?
Invoices should include business details, customer details, invoice numbers, invoice dates, payment terms, item descriptions, pricing, and final totals.
Why are invoice numbers important?
Invoice numbers help businesses organise invoices and track customer payments.
Should invoices contain payment terms?
Yes. Payment terms help customers understand when payment is expected.
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