Free Basic Invoice Template
About This Basic Invoice Template
Our basic invoice template is the perfect starting point for businesses that need a clean, professional invoice without unnecessary complexity. This template has been downloaded over 12,000 times by small business owners, freelancers, and contractors who appreciate its straightforward design and ease of use.
Whether you're sending your first invoice or your thousandth, this template ensures you present a professional image while keeping things simple. The clean layout makes it easy for your clients to understand what they're being charged for and how to pay you.
This template strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and professionalism. It includes all the essential elements your clients expect to see, without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. The result is an invoice that gets you paid faster.
What's Included in This Template
- Company Information Section: Dedicated space for your business name, address, phone number, email, and website
- Logo Placeholder: Professional placement area for your company logo to build brand recognition
- Client Details Area: Clear section for customer name, address, and contact information
- Invoice Number Field: Unique identifier for easy tracking and record-keeping
- Date Fields: Invoice date and payment due date for clear payment terms
- Itemized Service Table: Organized rows for description, quantity, rate, and amount
- Automatic Calculations: Built-in formulas in Excel version for subtotal, tax, and total
- Tax Line: Separate line for sales tax or VAT calculations
- Payment Terms: Space to specify payment methods and terms
- Notes Section: Area for additional information or thank you messages
How to Use This Invoice Template
- Download Your Preferred Format: Choose between Word, Excel, or PDF based on your needs and available software
- Add Your Company Information: Replace the placeholder text with your business name, address, and contact details
- Insert Your Logo: Click on the logo area and insert your company logo for a professional touch
- Enter Client Details: Fill in your customer's name, address, and contact information
- Add Invoice Number: Use a sequential numbering system (e.g., INV-001, INV-002) for easy tracking
- Set Dates: Enter the invoice date and payment due date based on your payment terms
- List Your Services: Add each product or service as a line item with description, quantity, and rate
- Calculate Totals: In Excel, formulas automatically calculate. In Word/PDF, enter totals manually
- Add Payment Instructions: Include how clients can pay (check, bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
- Save and Send: Save a copy for your records and send the invoice to your client via email or mail
Invoice Best Practices
To ensure prompt payment and maintain professional relationships with your clients, follow these proven invoicing best practices:
1. Send Invoices Promptly
Send your invoice as soon as work is completed or products are delivered. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to get paid. Consider sending invoices on the same day each week for consistency.
2. Use Clear Payment Terms
Specify exactly when payment is due. Common terms include "Net 30" (due in 30 days), "Net 15" (due in 15 days), or "Due Upon Receipt" for immediate payment. Be consistent with your terms.
3. Include All Necessary Information
Ensure your invoice includes your business name, address, contact information, invoice number, date, client details, itemized charges, and total amount due. Missing information can delay payment.
4. Keep Detailed Records
Maintain copies of all invoices sent and track their payment status. This helps with follow-ups and is essential for tax purposes.
5. Follow Up on Late Payments
Send friendly reminders for overdue invoices. Start with a gentle reminder after the due date, then follow up weekly if needed. Most late payments are simply oversights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our basic invoice template is 100% free to download and use. There are no hidden fees, no signup required, and no limits on how many times you can download or use it. We believe every business deserves access to professional invoicing tools.
You can use Microsoft Word for the .docx version, Microsoft Excel for the .xlsx version, or any PDF reader for the PDF version. Free alternatives like Google Docs, Google Sheets, or LibreOffice also work perfectly. The PDF version can be filled out using Adobe Reader (free) or printed and completed by hand.
Absolutely! The template includes a designated area for your logo. In Word or Excel, simply click on the logo placeholder and insert your company logo image. For best results, use a high-resolution PNG or JPG file. Your logo helps build brand recognition and adds professionalism to your invoices.
Our basic invoice template is perfect for freelancers, small businesses, contractors, consultants, and service providers across all industries. It includes all essential invoice elements required for professional billing. The simple, clean design works well for any business type and can be easily customized to match your brand.
The Excel version includes automatic tax calculation formulas - just enter your tax rate and it calculates automatically. For Word and PDF versions, multiply your subtotal by your tax rate (e.g., for 8% tax on $1000: $1000 × 0.08 = $80). Add the tax to your subtotal for the final total. Always verify tax requirements for your location.