What Is Pro Forma Invoice?

A pro forma invoice is a preliminary invoice sent to a buyer before goods or services are delivered. It looks like a regular invoice but is not a legal demand for payment and cannot be used to claim GST credits — it's essentially a quote in invoice format.

Pro forma invoices are typically used to:

  • Confirm pricing and items before a customer commits to an order
  • Support international shipping and customs documentation
  • Request a deposit or progress payment on a large order
  • Help a buyer get internal approval or arrange financing

Once the order is approved and the goods or services are delivered, the seller replaces the pro forma with a standard tax invoice that records the actual sale and GST collected. Always label the document "Pro Forma" or "Not a Tax Invoice" so it isn't mistaken for the real thing. The tax invoice — not the pro forma — is what your buyer uses to claim a GST input tax credit. InvoiceSonic lets you convert a pro forma into a tax invoice with one click.

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