How do I invoice as a freelancer without a company?

You can invoice as a sole trader or individual using your own name and address. You don’t need a registered company — just a clear invoice with a number, your details, the client’s details, the work, the total and how to pay.

What payment terms should a freelancer use?

Net 14 or “due on receipt” are common for freelancers because they shorten the wait. Whatever you choose, state the actual due date on the invoice and agree it with the client before you start.

Do freelancers charge tax on invoices?

Only when required where you operate — US sales tax depends on your state and service type; UK VAT, Australian GST and Canadian GST/HST apply once you’re registered. Show any tax as a separate line.

How to Invoice as a Freelancer (A Simple Guide)

Invoicing is how you actually get paid as a freelancer, yet it’s the part most people wing. A clear, consistent invoice looks professional, avoids back-and-forth, and gets money into your account faster. Here’s a simple system you can reuse for every client.

Agree the terms before you start

The best way to get paid on time is to set expectations up front. Before the work begins, confirm in writing: the scope and price, whether you bill hourly or a fixed fee, your payment terms (for example “Net 14” or “due on receipt”), and whether you require a deposit. A short email is enough — it just has to exist.

What to put on a freelance invoice

The word “Invoice” and a unique number (INV-0001, INV-0002…).
Your name or business name, contact details and tax ID if you have one.
The client’s name and billing address.
Issue date and a clear due date.
Line items — describe the work, with quantity/hours and rate.
Subtotal, any tax, and the total due.
How to pay: bank details or a payment link.

Should you charge tax?

It depends where you and your client are. In the US, whether you charge sales tax depends on your state and whether services are taxable there. In the UK you only add VAT once you’re VAT-registered. In Australia you charge GST once registered (required at $75,000 turnover), and in Canada GST/HST applies once registered. When in doubt, check with an accountant — and keep your invoice showing tax as a separate line.

Getting paid on time

Keep your terms short (14 days is common for freelancers), write the actual due date rather than only “Net 14”, send the invoice the day you finish, and make paying effortless with bank details or a link right on the invoice. A polite reminder a few days before the due date works better than chasing after it.

Create a freelance invoice free

Use our free invoice generator — no sign-up — to produce a clean PDF with your details, the right tax model for your country, and a due date. Freelancers in the US, UK, Australia and Canada are all supported.