Free invoice generator for freelancers

Fill in the form on the left and the invoice updates on the right. When it looks right, press Print and choose "Save as PDF". Your details stay in this browser.

What a professional invoice needs

An invoice is both a request for payment and a financial record. A good one removes every reason for a client to delay: it says what was done, what it costs, who is paying, when payment is due and how to pay. At minimum include:

• Your name or business name and contact details, and the client's.
• A unique invoice number. Sequential numbers (INV-001, INV-002) make bookkeeping and audits easier.
• The invoice date and a clear due date, or terms such as "Net 14".
• An itemised list of work with quantities and unit prices.
• Any tax charged, the total due and the payment method.

Getting paid faster

Send the invoice the day the work is delivered. Shorter terms (7 to 14 days) are paid sooner than 30-day terms, and stating a late fee in advance, for example 1.5% a month, gives clients a reason to prioritise you. Always put the payment details directly on the invoice so nobody has to ask.

Sales tax and 1099 reporting

Whether you charge sales tax depends on your state and what you sell: most states do not tax pure services, while many tax digital goods and some tax specific services. If a client pays you $600 or more in a year for services, they may need to send you a Form 1099-NEC, so keep your invoices consistent with what you report as income.

Keep the money for taxes

Each paid invoice is income that carries self-employment tax and income tax. Setting aside a percentage when you are paid avoids a nasty surprise in April. Our freelancer tax calculator estimates how much to keep from each invoice, and the quarterly deadlines planner shows when estimated payments are due.

Privacy

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your draft is saved only in this browser's local storage so you can come back to it, and the Clear button removes it.

Sources

• IRS: Form 1099-NEC and independent contractors
• IRS: Self-employed individuals tax center

Last reviewed 2026-11-09. General information for planning only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.

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