How do I invoice for hourly work?

Put your rate in the rate column, the hours in the quantity, and "hours" in the unit — 7.5 hours at 80 shows as "7.5 hours" and totals correctly. Fractional hours work as decimals.

Should I charge a deposit?

For new clients or long projects, commonly yes. Invoice the deposit first, then put it in the deposit field on the final invoice so the document shows the balance due rather than the full figure.

What payment terms should I use?

Net 30 is the default most clients expect, but you are free to set shorter. "Due on receipt" is entirely reasonable for freelance work and tends to get you paid faster.

Do I need to be a registered business?

In many places you can invoice as a sole trader under your own name. Requirements vary, so check what applies where you live — this is general information rather than tax advice.

Freelance invoice template

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Your name or business name

Phone

Address

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Client name

Client email

Client phone

Client address

Tax ID

Invoice details

Number

Issued

Terms

Due

PO number

Line items

How to pay you

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Notes

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Late payment terms

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About this document

Most freelance invoices go wrong in the same three ways: no payment details, so the client cannot pay you even when they want to; a vague description, so the invoice sits with someone who does not recognise the work; and no due date, so there is nothing to chase against.

Bill however you actually work. Put "hours" in the unit column for hourly work and enter 7.5 as the quantity; use "days" for a day rate; use "items" for fixed-price deliverables. If you took a deposit, add it and the invoice shows the balance due rather than the full amount.

What belongs on a freelance invoice

Your name or trading name, and your address
A unique invoice number that follows on from the last one
The client's name, and a contact who actually approves invoices
The work, described so somebody outside the project would recognise it
Your rate and the quantity — hours, days or items
A due date, not just an issue date
Exactly how to pay you: bank details, or a payment link

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and by the kind of work you do — check with your own accountant or tax authority if anything is unclear.

Questions

How do I invoice for hourly work?: Put your rate in the rate column, the hours in the quantity, and "hours" in the unit — 7.5 hours at 80 shows as "7.5 hours" and totals correctly. Fractional hours work as decimals.
Should I charge a deposit?: For new clients or long projects, commonly yes. Invoice the deposit first, then put it in the deposit field on the final invoice so the document shows the balance due rather than the full figure.
What payment terms should I use?: Net 30 is the default most clients expect, but you are free to set shorter. "Due on receipt" is entirely reasonable for freelance work and tends to get you paid faster.
Do I need to be a registered business?: In many places you can invoice as a sole trader under your own name. Requirements vary, so check what applies where you live — this is general information rather than tax advice.