As a US independent contractor you send clients an invoice to get paid. There is no official form — you just need a clear, itemised document with the right details so clients can pay you quickly and you can report the income at tax time.
What to include
- Your name or business name and contact details.
- Invoice number and invoice date.
- The client’s name and address.
- A description of the work, hours or units, your rate and the total.
- Payment terms (for example Net 15/Net 30) and how to pay.
Do not print your Social Security Number on the invoice. If a client needs your taxpayer ID, give it on a Form W-9 sent securely, not on every invoice.
Do contractors charge sales tax?
Usually not on services — most states do not tax professional services — but it varies by state, and selling physical goods can be taxable. If you are unsure whether your service is taxable where you operate, check your state’s rules or a tax professional.
W-9 vs invoice vs 1099
These are three different things: the W-9 is a one-time form giving the client your taxpayer details; the invoice is your request for payment for each job; the 1099-NEC is the form the client files (and sends you) after year end if they paid you $600 or more. You still report all your income whether or not you receive a 1099.
Getting paid faster
Send the invoice promptly, keep terms short and clear, and number your invoices so nothing slips. A clean PDF with your payment details reduces back-and-forth.
Create a contractor invoice free — no account, instant PDF.