Should I send an invoice before or after completing work?

Freelance

Freelance Invoice Template

A professional invoice is a small thing that makes a big difference — it shows clients you're organized, reduces payment friction, and protects you legally. This template covers all required fields and includes a late payment clause.

Freelance Invoice Template

INVOICE

From: {{your_name}}
       {{your_address}}
       {{your_email}}

To:   {{client_name}}
       {{client_company}}
       {{client_address}}

Invoice #: {{invoice_number}}
Date:      {{invoice_date}}
Due Date:  {{due_date}}

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SERVICES
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{{service_description_1}} ............. {{amount_1}}
{{service_description_2}} ............. {{amount_2}}
{{service_description_3}} ............. {{amount_3}}

                    SUBTOTAL: {{subtotal}}
                    TAX ({{tax_rate}}%): {{tax_amount}}
                    TOTAL DUE: {{total_due}}

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PAYMENT DETAILS
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{{payment_method}}: {{payment_details}}

Payment due within {{payment_terms}} days.
Late payments subject to a {{late_fee}}% monthly fee after due date.

Project: {{project_reference}}
Contract reference: {{contract_date}}

Thank you for your business!

How to use this template

1Send invoices as PDF — it's professional and harder to dispute.
2Number invoices sequentially (INV-001, INV-002) for accounting purposes.
3Always include a due date, not just 'net 30' — specific dates get paid faster.

Template variables

Replace each {{variable}} in the template with your actual information.

VariableDescriptionExample

{{your_name}}Your name or business nameJordan Lee Design

{{invoice_number}}Sequential invoice numberINV-2026-042

{{payment_terms}}Payment due in X days14

{{tax_rate}}Applicable tax rate0 (or your local rate)

{{late_fee}}Monthly late fee percentage1.5

{{payment_method}}Preferred payment methodBank Transfer / PayPal / Wise

Frequently asked questions

Send milestone invoices during the project (e.g. 50% upfront) and a final invoice on delivery. Never wait until after the project is complete to invoice the first amount.