Invoice Template — Bill Clients Easily and Professionally

An invoice is a document you send to a client to request payment for goods or services. It includes details like what you provided, how much is owed, and when it’s due.

With LegalSimpli’s free Invoice template, you can create polished, professional invoices without needing expensive software or accounting skills. Perfect for freelancers, small businesses, or anyone who needs to get paid quickly and clearly.

Create Your Invoice

Create Your Invoice Form in minutes!

Download, Print and E-sign your Invoice Form Agreement Template

+1-855-235-3175 | Phone 9AM-6PM AST MON-FRI | Chat or Email Support 24/7

Last Updated: March 15, 2025

What Is an Invoice?
When Do You Need an Invoice?
What Happens If You Don’t Use an Invoice?
How to Fill Out an Invoice
Common Questions and Misunderstandings
Related Documents You May Need

What Is an Invoice?

A Simple Document to Request and Track Payment

An invoice is a written request for payment sent by a seller to a buyer. It’s a standard business tool used to document work completed, products delivered, or services provided — along with the amount due and the payment deadline.

Invoices are often used for:

Freelance or contract work
Consulting or coaching services
Small business sales (products or services)
Recurring billing for ongoing work
One-time jobs like repairs, events, or rentals

A properly formatted invoice helps you look professional, keeps your finances organized, and gives your clients all the information they need to pay you.

When Do You Need an Invoice?

Anytime You’re Requesting Payment for Work or Sales

You should use an invoice whenever you:

Complete a freelance or consulting job and are owed payment

Sell goods or provide services without collecting money up front

Bill clients on a recurring (weekly, monthly, quarterly) schedule

Need to keep clear records for your taxes or bookkeeping

Want to avoid confusion about payment terms and due dates

Even if you're running a side hustle, offering one-time services, or billing a friend or family member, an invoice ensures your work is documented and taken seriously.

What Happens If You Don’t Use an Invoice?

You May Not Get Paid — Or Have No Record of What’s Owed

Not sending a clear, written invoice can lead to late payments, disputes, or missed income. Without an invoice:

Clients may “forget” how much they owe or when it’s due
You may lose track of unpaid work or services
There’s no proof of what was agreed upon if there’s a disagreement
Your business can appear disorganized or unprofessional

Using a clean, simple invoice keeps everyone on the same page — and gives you the paper trail you need if there’s ever a question later.

How to Fill Out an Invoice

A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Paid

Step 1: Add Your Business and Contact Info
Include your name or business name, address, phone number, and email. This helps clients know who the invoice is from.
Step 2: Add the Client’s Info
Include the name and address of the person or business you’re billing.
Step 3: Create an Invoice Number and Date
Use a unique invoice number (like 001, 2024-05-001, etc.) and the date the invoice is issued. This helps with organization and tracking.
Step 4: Describe the Goods or Services Provided
List each item or task you’re billing for, with a short description, quantity, rate, and total cost. Break it down clearly.
Step 5: Add Payment Terms and Due Date
Include when payment is due (e.g., “Net 15” or “Due by June 30, 2025”), and how to pay (bank transfer, check, PayPal, etc.). You can also note any late fees or discounts for early payment.
Step 6: Calculate the Total
Add everything up, including tax if applicable, and clearly state the grand total due.
Step 7: Add Any Notes or Special Instructions
You can thank the client, explain delivery methods, or provide your payment details again here.
LegalSimpli’s free invoice template makes this easy by providing labeled sections you can fill out in Word or PDF.

Common Questions and Misunderstandings

Before You Hit Send — Here’s What You Should Know:

Is an invoice a legal document?
Yes. An invoice is a legal record of a financial transaction. It shows what was provided, who owes what, and when payment is expected.
Do I need to be a registered business to send an invoice?
No. Individuals like freelancers or contractors can send invoices too. Just use your name and contact info instead of a business name.
What’s the difference between an invoice and a receipt?
An invoice is a request for payment. A receipt is proof that payment was received. You send the invoice first, and the receipt after you’ve been paid.
What if the client doesn’t pay?
Start by sending a polite reminder. If they still don’t pay, your invoice serves as a written record that can help you collect the debt formally — or even in small claims court if needed.
Do I need special software?
No. Our template works in Word or PDF — no subscription, no software. You can customize it for each client in just a few minutes.

Invoice Template — Bill Clients Easily and Professionally

Table of Contents

What Is an Invoice?

When Do You Need an Invoice?

What Happens If You Don’t Use an Invoice?

How to Fill Out an Invoice

Common Questions and Misunderstandings

Related Documents You May Need

Send Your First Invoice in Minutes

Send Your First Invoice
in Minutes