As a freelancer or business owner, you need to issue your clients professional invoices to help keep records of all transactions. These records are important for declaring taxes and balancing your books. In most cases, invoices are sent to organizations and businesses that purchase products and services from individuals or other businesses.
But what happens when you’re selling products or services to a self-employed client? Can you create an invoice as an individual without a company? Many entrepreneurs and self-employed freelancers working with self-employed clients ask: Can I create an invoice for myself? How do I invoice a self-employed client?
The answer is yes; however, this type of invoicing comes with its fair share of intricacies you should know. This article will teach you how to create an invoice yourself through the innovation of templates. Whether you need an attorney invoice template or one for freelance photography, professional templates streamline your invoicing processes.
What Is an Invoice?
Also known as a bill or tab, an invoice is a document sent by a seller to a buyer with a sum of the amount owed. This document is sent after the goods or services have been delivered to the buyer. It indicates the goods or services delivered, their quantities, and prices agreed upon. The buyer is expected to make payments once they receive the invoice.
Your invoice should clearly state the terms of payment, including the specific date that the amount should be paid. Sometimes you can send an invoice after the buyer has already paid the amount. In such cases, you should clearly indicate on your invoice whether the amount has been paid to avoid confusion.
How to Create an Invoice without a Company?
As a freelancer or sole proprietor, you may find it difficult to create and send invoices to clients, especially large enterprises, that are accustomed to doing business with established companies. The main reason why this type of invoicing is complex is because your business is unincorporated and therefore you’ll receive all the proceeds and be responsible for your business losses, obligations, and debts.
For instance, if you’re a lawyer offering legal services to businesses and organizations as an individual, you’re allowed to create a personal invoice and send it to your clients as required. Fortunately, you can find a professional invoice template for your invoices. Furthermore, most of these templates are free.
However, if you want a template with advanced features, you’ll be required to pay a small fee. So, what is the importance of an invoice template? These invoice templates offer numerous benefits, including saving time, creating an element of consistency, and improving accuracy.
Once you’ve chosen the right invoice template, the next step is to fill in the important details. Here are the important details you need to include in your personal invoice:
Header
This section is very important as it carries critical details, including the name of your business, your contact details (mailing address, email address, website, phone number, etc.), and your logo. Make sure the header looks professional and choose the right font size to make it legible.
Client Details
Below the header, write your client’s contact details, including their full names, mailing address, physical address, phone number, etc. Normally, this information should be on the opposite side of your contact details to avoid confusion.
Invoice Details
The details of your invoice should come below your contact information and across the client’s contact details. Invoice details include the invoice number, the date it was prepared, and the due date. When numbering your invoice, use a sequence to make tracking easy.
Also, specify your preferred method of payment, such as cash, credit card, digital payment, or check. In your terms of payment, make it clear if you charge any fees for late payment. This prevents misunderstandings should your clients delay timely payment.
It also offers incentives for your clients to clear their invoices promptly. If you are required to declare taxes after delivering services and receiving payments, you may have to include a tax number in your invoice.
Finally, creating a personal invoice is easy if you have the right invoicing information and tools. With invoicing software like Invoice Ninja, everything is straightforward.
Create Professional Invoices With Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja is a high-quality invoicing software that provides you with custom invoices in just minutes. Streamline your invoicing needs and take your business to the next level with Invoice Ninja!