Invoice #
The invoice number uniquely identifies your Invoice. It is important so you can communicate to your clients which invoice you are referring to. The invoice number can also be useful in keeping track of which invoices have been paid.
Issue Date
The issue date on an invoice is when the invoice is created and sent to the customer. The issue date is when the seller (you) generates the invoice and documents the transaction. It is important because it establishes the time frame in which the service or product was purchased. The payment terms outlined in the invoice typically start from the issue date and add to it to calculate the due date.
You can also use the issue date for record-keeping purposes. It helps the seller keep track of the transactions and helps the buyer (your customer) keep track of their expenses. In addition, you can use the issue date to determine the payment order if multiple invoices from the same seller exist.
Due Date
The due date on an invoice is the date by which the customer must make the payment to the seller (you). The seller usually sets the due date and communicates to the customer on the invoice. The due date is typically calculated from the invoice issue date, and the payment terms and conditions are specified in the invoice.
It is crucial for both the seller and the buyer (your customer) to pay close attention to the due date on the invoice and to ensure that payment is made on time. Late payments can lead to additional fees and penalties and strain the relationship between the buyer and the seller.
Example: You communcate with the client you will be billing them on the first of the month for the previous month's work. Typical terms would be NET 14 or NET 30. In the first case, you would set the invoice date to the 1st and it would have a due date of the 15th. This gives them 14 days to pay. NET 30 would be due 30 days after the invoice date.
Line Items
The line items of an invoice are the individual products or services sold by you to your customer. Each line item on the invoice includes a description of the product or service, the quantity sold, the price per unit, and the total price for that line item.
Each line item on the invoice is typically listed separately to show the total amount invoiced clearly. Line items assist the buyer (your customer) in understanding the costs associated with each product or service and help the seller (you) to document the transaction.
Bill To
The "Bill to" section of an invoice is the section that identifies the customer who is being billed for the products or services provided by the seller (you). This section typically includes the customer's name, address, and contact information.
The "Bill to" section is useful because it ensures the invoice is sent to the correct customer and provides a clear record of who is responsible for the payment.
Adjustments
The "Adjustments" section of an invoice is the section that lists any taxes, discounts, or other adjustments that are being applied to the invoice.
Adjustments can be made for various reasons, such as discounts for early payment, returns or exchanges, or errors in a previous invoice. The adjustments section is used to ensure that the final amount due on the invoice is accurate and reflects any changes made to the original invoice.
Payments
The Payments secion is optional and provides information on how the seller (you) prefers to be paid. It often includes a mailing address for checks, or the banking details for your account. It is most useful for newer clients who haven't paid you before.