Have you ever received an invoice from someone that didn’t have some crucial piece of information–like where to send the check or the name of the business? Yikes! Following is a quick run down of the parts that should be included on an invoice. The fun thing about the invoice is that the ordering of info is flexible and the design is up to you–just keep it in line with your other forms for continuity.

Your name or business name
Your address
Your phone number and email — In case they have questions, make it easy for them to reach you!

Invoice date — Always date important papers!!!
Invoice # — Even if your operation is small enough to not need invoice numbers, your clients may use them for their own tracking. An easy default can be your clients initials + the date. For example, if you were billing Project Simplify in September 2007 => PS0907.

Bill to — i.e. Client/business name
Client’s address

Services — Provide enough info to remind them what they are paying you for. Include time sheet if that is your agreement with them.
Rate — Example: $X/hour x 5 hours
Total due $

Terms — Examples: “Payable upon receipt” or “net 15″. Ideally, you’ve already agreed upon this point with them and this is merely a reminder.

Payment instructions — Examples: “Please remit payment to above/below address.” or “Paypal payments accepted to xxxxx”

You may add or delete some items for your invoice depending on your business. You’ll also want to let your clients know when you bill, for example at the end of each month, and then stick with that agreement.