Invoice examples
Five sample invoices for different kinds of work, with real numbers that add up. Find the one closest to yours and copy it into a free template.
Last updated · By Yasir Arfat
Every example has the same core parts: who it is from and to, an invoice number, the dates, the line items, the total and how to pay. For a part-by-part walkthrough, read how to write an invoice.
- Simple freelance invoice
- Hourly invoice (consulting or bookkeeping)
- Contractor invoice with materials, tax and a deposit
- UK VAT invoice
- Recurring service invoice, due on receipt
1. Simple freelance invoice
One client, a few fixed-price items and no tax. This is all most freelancers need.
Bill to
Northwind Outdoor Co., attn. Sam Patel
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog articles, 1,200 words each | 4 | $150.00 | $600.00 |
| Product page copy, 5 pages | 1 | $250.00 | $250.00 |
- Total due
- $850.00
Make an invoice like this with the free template.
2. Hourly invoice (consulting or bookkeeping)
Bill time as hours × rate on separate lines, and name the period so the client can match it to their records.
Bill to
Ridge Line Coffee LLC
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping for October 2026: bank reconciliation, categorizing | 12.5 hrs | $60.00 | $750.00 |
| Payroll setup for 2 new staff | 1 | $150.00 | $150.00 |
- Total due
- $900.00
Make an invoice like this with the free template.
3. Contractor invoice with materials, tax and a deposit
Labor and parts on their own lines, sales tax on the taxable part, and the deposit taken off so the client sees the balance. Sales tax rules vary by state; check yours.
Bill to
Maria Gomez, 1420 Bayview Dr, Tampa, FL 33606
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor: remove old and install new water heater | 3 hrs | $95.00 | $285.00 |
| 40-gallon gas water heater | 1 | $640.00 | $640.00 |
| Fittings, valves and venting | 1 | $48.00 | $48.00 |
| Haul away and disposal of old unit | 1 | $60.00 | $60.00 |
- Subtotal
- $1,033.00
- Sales tax 6% on parts ($688.00)
- $41.28
- Total
- $1,074.28
- Deposit paid Oct 5
- −$300.00
- Balance due
- $774.28
Make an invoice like this with the free template.
4. UK VAT invoice
If you are VAT registered, a full VAT invoice shows your VAT number, the VAT rate, the amount before VAT and the VAT itself, in pounds.
Bill to
Oakfield Physio Ltd, 3 Mill Lane, York YO1 7HT
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website redesign, 6 pages | 1 | £1,200.00 | £1,200.00 |
| Managed hosting, Nov 2026 to Oct 2027 | 12 months | £10.00 | £120.00 |
- Total excluding VAT
- £1,320.00
- VAT at 20%
- £264.00
- Total due
- £1,584.00
Make an invoice like this with the free template.
5. Recurring service invoice, due on receipt
For regular visits billed monthly, list the visits with their dates and any extras. Due on receipt suits small amounts from regular customers.
Bill to
The Whitfield household, 88 Elm Ct, Charlotte, NC 28203
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly house cleaning: Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 | 4 visits | $120.00 | $480.00 |
| Add-on: inside oven (Oct 17) | 1 | $35.00 | $35.00 |
- Total due
- $515.00
Make an invoice like this with the free template.
Invoice description examples
The description is the line your client reads to decide whether to pay, so make it specific. Name the task or item, add the quantity or hours, and the date or period when it helps.
| Vague | Clear |
|---|---|
| Work | Kitchen faucet replacement, parts and labor |
| Consulting | Marketing strategy session, 2 hrs at $90/hr |
| Design | Logo design: 3 concepts, 2 revision rounds, final files |
| Cleaning | Deep clean, 3-bed house, incl. inside fridge and oven |
| October services | Bookkeeping for October 2026: reconciliation and payroll |
| Materials | Pressure-treated 2×6 deck boards, 16 ft (24 pcs) |
Frequently asked questions
What is an example of an invoice?
A one-page document from a business to a customer with an invoice number, the issue and due dates, both parties' details, a list of what was supplied with quantity, rate and amount, the total due, and how to pay. The five invoices on this page are typical examples for freelancers, hourly work, contractors, UK VAT-registered businesses and recurring services.
What should I write in an invoice description?
Say what you did or supplied clearly enough that the client can recognise it months later: the task or item, the quantity or hours, and the date or period if it matters. "Kitchen faucet replacement, parts and labor" is better than "Work".
What is the difference between a sample invoice and an invoice template?
A sample invoice is filled in with example details so you can see what a finished invoice looks like. A template is the empty layout you fill in with your own details. You can copy any example here into a free template and change the details.
Do I have to charge tax on an invoice?
Only if you are registered to collect it. In the US, sales tax depends on your state and what you sell; many services are exempt. In the UK, you only add VAT if you are VAT registered. If you charge tax, show the rate and the tax amount on its own line.
Can I use these invoice examples for my business?
Yes. Pick the example closest to your work, open the matching template, and replace the sample details with your own. The template adds up the totals and downloads as PDF, Word or Excel for free.
Create your invoice now. It's free, with no sign-up. Prefer a blank file? Get the invoice template for Word, Excel or as a printable PDF.