What To Include On An Invoice: Basic Requirements (2026)

What an Invoice Is and Why Details Matter

An invoice is a document that a business sends to a client after providing a product or service. Although it’s just one document, it effectively serves as a few documents in one. You generate a bill of sale , a receipt, and a legal verification of the transaction at once.

There’s no singular invoice format you need to follow, but if you’re wondering what to include on an invoice, there are a few key elements you need.

Required Business and Client Information

To avoid confusion, your invoice should include your business name and contact information, as well as your client’s name and contact information.

Invoice Number, Issue Date, and Due Date

An invoice number makes it easier for you or your client to reference the invoice in the future if needed. You should also include the issue date. This is particularly important, as many invoices require payment within a certain number of days from the issue date. If applicable, include the exact date payment is due.

Itemized Goods, Services, Subtotals and Taxes

An itemized list of goods and/or services helps the client understand what you’re billing them for. Including subtotals and taxes clarifies the exact payment breakdown.

Payment Terms and Accepted Payment Methods

Every invoice should make payment terms, such as how much is due, when it’s due and how much needs to be paid, very clear. These are some common payment terms:

• Net 30: Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
• Due Upon Receipt: Payment is due as soon as the client gets the invoice.
• End of Month (EOM): Payment is due on the last day of the month the invoice was sent.

When choosing payment terms, it’s a good idea to consider what’s typical for your industry. For instance, if you use a cleaning invoice , payment should usually be due upon receipt. If you use a construction invoice , though, you might offer net 30, net 60 or sometimes net 90 terms.

You should also include what payment methods are accepted. Providing a variety of methods may make payment recovery easier.

Best Practices for a Professional Invoice

Here are a few tips to help you create the right invoice for your company:

• Include a header that clearly states “invoice.”
• Use clear professional formatting, and include a logo if you have one.
• Give every invoice a unique number.
• Verify that taxes have been correctly calculated.
• Send invoices promptly.
• Keep a copy of every invoice you send.

In addition to standard payment terms, you should also note any applicable late fees and/or early payment discounts.

Create a Professional Invoice With Ease

Once you know what to include on an invoice, creating clear and professional invoices becomes much simpler. If you want to learn more, take a look at ConsumerShield’s legal document templates and guides.