Invoicing is the process of sending a detailed bill to a customer for products or services provided. A typical invoice includes details such as the items sold, their costs, the total amount due, payment terms, and due dates. It serves as a formal request for payment and helps keep things clear between you and your customers, while also keeping your records organized for accounting and tax time.

Invoicing software automates the creation, delivery, and tracking of invoices, streamlining the billing process for businesses and freelancers. It helps generate professional-looking invoices and monitor payments. Some solutions also offer advanced features such as online payment processing and automated expense tracking, enabling more efficient financial management.

With QuickBooks, you can create professional invoices in minutes, send instantly payable invoices, track payments in real time, and set up automated reminders to help you get paid faster — all from one place. Customers can pay online using a credit card or Apple Pay. Payments are deposited automatically, and your books are updated for you.

QuickBooks makes creating invoices as easy as possible with template options and saved preferences - check out our step-by-step instructions to see how simple it can be.

Your invoice should include the following information:

Itemized descriptions of each billable item: Whether you sell services or products, it’s crucial that your invoice includes a clear description of each billable item, its price, and quantity.

Contact information: It’s crucial to include the contact information for your business and the customer you are billing. Include their full name, address, and telephone number.

Terms of payment: This outlines when the payment is due—read more about the recommended terms of payment in the invoice payment terms FAQ.

Accepted payment methods: Whether you accept payments via cheque, credit card or e-transfer, it’s important to let your customers know how to pay you.

GST/HST: In Canada, you are required to let your customers know when GST/HST is applied to their purchase and the cost of the tax.

It’s essential to have an efficient invoicing process to get paid by clients on time—for helpful tips, tricks, and process hints, check out these insightful invoicing resources.

Mobile invoicing allows you to send your clients the bill on the go, saving you time and helping you get paid faster.

After a customer uses the Pay Now button in your invoice and pays using their credit card, you’ll both receive a confirmation email. Your books will update to show the invoice has been paid, and usually 2 business days later when the funds have settled, your money will be marked as deposited in your bank.

Discussing payment terms with your customers in advance can help you get paid on time - here are some common invoice payment terms:

Prepayment: You can ask clients to prepay a percentage of your fee in advance to prevent cancellations.

Due upon receipt: This payment term requires payment immediately after products or services are delivered.

50% upfront: This suggests half the payment is due prior to services starting.

Net 10, 15, 30, 60, or 90: These terms refer to the number of days in which an invoice is due once it’s received.