Guides to invoicing and getting paid
Short, sourced guides on what goes on an invoice, how quotes, receipts and other billing documents work, and how to get paid on time. Every guide links to the official sources it relies on and to a free tool you can use straight away.
Invoice basics
What an invoice is, and the quote and receipt on either side of it.
Invoice Meaning: What an Invoice Is and What It Must Include
Invoice meaning in plain English: what an invoice is, what it must include, how it differs from a receipt or quote, with a worked example.
· 12 min read
Trade and tax invoices
Invoices with a special job: exports, prepayment, buyer-created GST invoices and structured e-invoices.
E-Invoicing Explained: E-Invoices vs PDF Invoices, EN 16931 and Peppol
E invoicing explained: what counts as an e-invoice, why a PDF does not, how EN 16931 and Peppol work, and what EU rules require now and from 2030.
· 15 min read
Proforma Invoice: What It Is and How to Use One
What a proforma invoice is, when to send one, what to put on it, and how it differs from a quote, an invoice and a commercial invoice. With an example.
· 12 min read
Scheduled guides
These guides are written and scheduled. Each one appears here on its publish date.
Recipient Created Tax Invoice (RCTI): ATO Rules Explained
Recipient created tax invoice (RCTI) rules from the ATO: who can issue one, what it must show, the 28-day deadline, GST registration and a worked example.
Quotation Format
Quotation format explained: the 10 parts every quote needs, a sample to copy, a worked example with totals, and simple vs detailed layouts.
Receipt of Payment: Format, Examples and Wording
What a receipt of payment must include, how to make one from an invoice, partial payment receipts, and sample acknowledgement letter and email wording.
Commercial Invoice: What It Is, What to Include and an Example
What a commercial invoice is, the fields customs expects, U.S. and Canada rules, vs pro forma and packing list, and a worked export example.
Debit Note: Meaning, Format and Example
A debit note adjusts an invoice: a seller bills an undercharge or a buyer claims a return. Format, a worked example and the credit note difference.
Statement of Account: Meaning, Example and Template
What a statement of account is, what to include, a worked example with running balance and ageing, invoice vs statement, and an email template to send it.
Free tools you can use now
Invoice Generator
Make an invoice with your logo, taxes and discount, then download a PDF.
Receipt Maker
Record a payment and download a PAID receipt.
Quotation Maker
Price the work first and turn the quote into an invoice later.
Invoice Templates
Word, Excel and PDF templates by format and profession.