Every invoice needs 8 things: your business details, client details, unique invoice number, issue date, due date, itemised line items with quantities and rates, total amount due, and payment instructions. VAT-registered businesses also need their VAT number and the client's. This guide covers required vs recommended fields, country-specific variations (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia), what NOT to include, and layout and formatting tips.
It's still a request for payment, but missing a date creates problems. The issue date determines when payment terms (e.g., Net 30) start running.
Yes — both your address and the client's. It's required by tax authorities in most jurisdictions and helps the client's accounts payable verify the invoice is legitimate.
Cancel and reissue. Don't send a corrected invoice with the same number. Issue a credit note for the original amount, then a new invoice with a new number.
Yes — if you're below the registration threshold, you don't need to charge or display VAT/GST. Just clearly state the amount due without any tax line.
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