Process published — nice work
What you do next determines whether this becomes real training. Pick one:
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Pick an invoicing tool
Step 1: Pick an invoicing tool
Free options handle small business. QuickBooks or FreshBooks for serious volume.
Invoice Ninja (free for solo)
Open-source, free for one user. ~$10/mo for paid features.
2 Step 2: Include the legally required fields
Step 2: Include the legally required fields
Your business name + address, client's name + address, invoice date, invoice number, line items, total, due date, payment terms.
Invoice number (unique sequential)
Required for accounting. Start at 001 or 1001.
Payment terms (Net 30 standard)
Net 30 = due 30 days from invoice date. Shorter = sooner cash.
Line items with description + amount
Specific work done + price.
3 Step 3: Add tax if required
Step 3: Add tax if required
Sales tax if your state requires for services. Some states don't tax services; others do. Check your state.
Check state requirements for sales tax
Search '[state] sales tax services'.
Most invoicing tools auto-calc tax
Set your state once, applies automatically.
4 Step 4: Send via email with PDF attached
Step 4: Send via email with PDF attached
Email with PDF attached is the standard. Most tools send + track delivery automatically.
PDF attached to email
Easier to forward, file, pay against.
Auto-send via invoicing tool
Shows when opened. Wave, FreshBooks track this.
5 Step 5: Accept multiple payment methods
Step 5: Accept multiple payment methods
More payment options = faster pay. Card, ACH, check. ACH is cheapest for the freelancer.
ACH transfer (cheapest)
Plaid or Stripe ACH. ~$0.80 per transaction.
Mail check (free)
Slowest. Some old-school clients still prefer.
6 Step 6: Follow up on late invoices
Step 6: Follow up on late invoices
After 30 days, polite reminder. 60 days: firm follow-up. 90 days: harder boundary.
Day 60: firm with consequences
Late fees if outlined in terms.
Day 90: collections or stop work
Stop work until paid. Threaten collections.
Day 31: friendly reminder
'Hi, wanted to follow up on invoice #XXX.'
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