What a good invoice does
An invoice asks a client to pay, but it is also a record. It backs up the revenue on your income statement, supports your tax return and shows a clear trail if a payment is ever questioned. Clear invoices also tend to be paid faster, because the client has nothing to query.
Requirements vary by country, especially for sales tax and VAT. In the UK, for example, GOV.UK lists what an invoice must include.
What to include on every invoice
- A unique invoice number, so each invoice can be tracked.
- The invoice date and a payment due date.
- Your business name, address and contact details.
- Your client's name, address and email.
- A line for each product or service, with quantity, rate and amount.
- Any tax and discount, and the total amount due.
- Payment terms and how to pay, such as bank details.
How to create your invoice
Upload your logo (up to 2MB) and choose a currency. Fill in the invoice number and dates, then add your details and your client's. Add a line for each item with its quantity and rate, set any tax or discount, and use the notes field for payment terms or a thank-you message.
Select Generate invoice PDF to download the finished invoice. Keep a copy with your records, and when invoicing becomes a weekly task, Tyms can record invoices and match payments in your books for you.