Independent Contractor Invoice Template

What to include on a independent contractor invoice

An independent contractor invoice needs to clearly establish that you are a separate business, not an employee. Include your name or business name, address, and tax ID or the note that a W-9 is available, plus the client company name and a unique invoice number. Describe the services performed, the period covered, and whether you billed hourly or by project or milestone. Because you handle your own taxes, never include withholding lines; the client pays the full invoiced amount and reports it on a 1099 at year end.

Common line items

Independent contractors usually invoice with a small, flexible set of line items:

• Hourly professional services, with the hours and rate shown
• Fixed project or milestone fees
• Retainer or recurring monthly fee
• Reimbursable expenses (software, travel, materials)
• Rush or out-of-scope work, billed separately

Payment terms

Net 30 is the default in most contractor agreements, but Net 15 or due-on-receipt is reasonable for smaller clients or new relationships. If you work on a retainer, invoice at the start of the period rather than the end. Spell out your terms in the contract first, then repeat them on every invoice so there is no ambiguity about when payment is due.

How to get paid faster

Match the invoice number and project description to the contract or statement of work so accounts payable can approve it without emailing you back. Sending the invoice on a predictable schedule (for example the 1st and 15th) trains clients to expect and process it, and including a payment link removes the friction of cutting a check.