What Is an Invoice?

An invoice is a commercial document a seller issues to a buyer to request payment for goods or services. It records what was supplied, when, at what price, and on what payment terms. Invoices create a clear paper trail for both parties, support accurate bookkeeping, and serve as evidence if a payment is ever disputed.

A standard invoice includes:

  • Your business name, address, and contact details
  • The client's name and billing address
  • A unique invoice number and issue date
  • A description of products or services with quantities and unit prices
  • Subtotal, any tax (such as GST), and total amount due
  • Payment due date and accepted payment methods

Invoices differ from receipts: an invoice requests payment before money changes hands, while a receipt confirms payment after it's been made. In Australia, businesses registered for GST must issue tax invoices for sales over $82.50 (including GST). You can create a professional invoice in under two minutes with InvoiceSonic's free generator — no signup, watermark, or credit card required.

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