How to Invoice for an Online Store (E-commerce)

Most retail e-commerce sales are handled by the store’s checkout, but online sellers still need proper invoices — for wholesale and B2B orders, for customers who request a VAT or tax invoice, and for business buyers who need one to pay you.

When you need an invoice (not just a receipt)

A checkout confirmation or receipt is enough for most consumer sales. You need a proper invoice for wholesale/B2B orders, for purchase-order-based buyers, and whenever a customer asks for a VAT or tax invoice to reclaim tax.

Match the invoice to the order

Reference the order number and, if there is one, the customer’s PO number so everything reconciles. List items with quantities and unit prices, shipping as its own line, and the tax applied for the customer’s region.

Tax across regions

Cross-border selling means different tax models — US sales tax by state (where you have nexus), UK VAT, Australian GST, Canadian GST/HST. Issue the right type of document for the buyer’s country, with your tax number where required.

Create an e-commerce invoice free

Our free invoice generator lets you reference the order, list items and shipping, and apply the correct tax for the US, UK, Australia or Canada — no sign-up.

Frequently asked questions

Do online stores need to send invoices?

For ordinary consumer sales a checkout receipt is usually enough. You need a proper invoice for wholesale/B2B orders, PO-based buyers, and any customer who requests a VAT or tax invoice.

How do I invoice a wholesale order?

Reference the order and any PO number, list items with quantities and unit prices, add shipping as a separate line, and apply the correct tax for the buyer’s region with your tax number where required.

What tax do I charge on cross-border online sales?

It depends on the buyer’s country and your obligations there — US sales tax where you have nexus, UK VAT, Australian or Canadian GST. Issue the right document type for that region.