Simple invoice template

Whether you own a small business, or work as a freelancer, you have a huge “to-do list” for attracting new customers and providing great service to your existing ones. This means you need to find simple solutions for administrative tasks, like invoicing. Why not get a little help running your business by using one of our easy-to-use, fully customizable simple invoice templates in Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, and Google Sheets? Instead of laboring over a complex invoice, use our simple template to ensure you get paid quickly and correctly for all your hard work.

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Choose the best simple invoice template for your business

Small business

This simple invoice template is extremely flexible so it can be used to bill all clients – no matter what products or services your business provides. Add or subtract lines to describe all the details with this professional, elegantly designed invoice.

This small business invoice template is extremely flexible so it can be used to bill all clients – no matter what products or services your business provides. Add or subtract lines to describe all the details with this professional, elegantly designed invoice.

Self-employed

Don’t waste any more brain power designing an elaborate invoice. Use your time supplying a great service to your customer instead. This free, simple invoice template can be easily customized to completely meet all of your invoicing needs.

Contract work

No matter how big or small the contract, or whether you are charging an hourly or flat fee, this free simple invoice template can be used to bill all your contract clients. Just add lines with project details to get the payment you deserve.

Whether you are charging an hourly or flat fee, this free invoice template for contract work can be used to bill your clients. Just add lines with project details to get the payment you deserve.

Retainer services

Download, customize, and use this simple invoice template for clients who hire you on retainer. Easy and simple to use, it can be tailored for bi-weekly or monthly retainer fees, with extra lines to fill in special services.

Download, customize, and use this simple invoice template for clients who hire you on retainer. Easy and simple to use, this retainer invoice can be tailored for bi-weekly or monthly fees, with extra lines to fill in special services.

Business professional

If you help clients make their businesses more efficient and profitable – do the same for your business by using this simple invoice template. Save time with an organized, easy-to-use invoice that lets clients know exactly what they are paying for.

If you help clients make their businesses more efficient and profitable – do the same for your business by using this simple invoice template. Save time with an organized, easy-to-use professional services invoice that lets clients know exactly what they are paying for.

Alternatives to using simple invoice templates

Make your business a success by finding out more about what Wave can offer you. Save time and take even more work off your hands by trying our free automated invoicing and powerful accounting.

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Why you should send professional invoices

Illustration of invoice being sent

Business is complicated, but invoicing doesn’t need to be. Our simple invoice template gives you the flexibility to create clear, organized invoices with room for all the details to ensure you are paid properly.

Easy-to-use, and easy-to-understand, your invoice will serve as a reminder of the great work you have done long after the project is over. The simple, elegant design will also instill confidence and credibility in the professional services you provide.

How to fill out your simple invoice

Once you've downloaded your free invoice template, you'll need to customize it to fit your specific business. Here are the 10 key things to include on your invoice:

  1. Title and Description: Name the project and briefly describe what type of work your client is being invoiced for.
  2. Company Details: Add your company name, address, phone number, and logo to the top-right corner.
  3. Customer Details: Under "Bill To", add your customer's name, address, and contact information.
  4. Invoice Number: Include a unique invoice number to help you track down this invoice in the future. You can format this based on sequence and customer. For example, if you're sending your very first customer their first invoice,  the invoice number could be 001-001.
  5. Dates: Include the date when your invoice has been issued and the date when payment is due.
  6. Line Item: Add individual line items for each unique good or service you provided. For each line item, include a brief description, quantity, individual unit price, and total price.
  7. Subtotal: Add up the subtotal of your goods or services, before tax has been applied.
  8. Tax: Indicate the tax rate applied to the subtotal. This is legally required to provide on invoices, and your rate may differ depending on where you run your business.
  9. Total: Outline the total amount due from the customer, after tax.
  10. Notes: Include any additional info your customer should know, including terms of service and payment terms (for example, payments are due 30 days after the invoice has been issued).

What should be included on a simple invoice for professionals in any field?

You pride yourself on delivering reliable, great work. Follow these quick steps and this simple invoice template will capture all the details so you are paid properly for your time and effort.

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  • Look through our selection of simple invoice templates in different designs and colors, and pick the one you like best in the format you want to use for your invoicing – such as Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, or Google Sheets
  • Download the simple invoice template. It’s free!
  • Add your business name and contact information. If you provide emergency 24-hour service, or any other special services – make sure you mention it here
  • Insert your well-designed logo, website address, and any professional qualifications or certifications
  • Add in your client’s name and current contact information
  • Generate a unique invoice number and add it to the simple invoice template
  • Include the date of the invoice, and the payment due date
  • List the products or services you’ve provided, and the price for each based on your hourly or flat rate. The simple invoice template allows you to include enough detail to make sure your customer knows exactly what they are being charged for
  • Simply add or remove lines to customize the invoice format to meet your billing needs
  • If you are including a discount for a regular customer, or for a large order, add a line explaining the discount so your client knows they are getting a special deal
  • Calculate the total price, including applicable tax, and enter the total at the bottom of the invoice
  • Include your payment terms, including the methods of payment you accept
  • There is room on the simple invoice template to add a personal line at the end, such as thanking the customer for their business, or to mention a memorable detail of the project you’d like to share
  • Save the invoice – and email it off to your client!

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When is the right time to send an invoice from a simple invoice template?

The right time to send an invoice depends on your business and on your client. Some self-employed individuals send an invoice at the time of purchase, and some wait to send an invoice at the end of a job or project.

As an independent business owner, you need to keep the revenue coming in, so if it is for a large project, customize your simple invoice template to charge for payment up front (or for a percentage of the estimated cost up front) with the remainder received upon completion.

Whatever payment cadence you choose, make sure it’s clearly noted on each invoice, and clarify what portion of the final ‘cost’ has been paid to date.

Illustration of hourglass timer

Simple invoice template tips for self-employed professionals

Don’t be afraid to follow-up

Use numbered invoices

Include a timesheet

Change your payment terms

Free Invoice Template vs. Wave Invoicing Software

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Free Estimate Template
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Customize estimates and convert them into invoices
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Send unlimited invoices and see when clients open them
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Send automated late payment reminders
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Know customers automatically get a receipt when they pay
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Track sales and sales tax for accounting
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Add business partners or accountants as collaborators
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Connect your bank account easily
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Access accountant-approved reporting for year-end
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