United States invoice template

The United States has no federal VAT, so most invoices carry either no tax or a state and local sales tax, depending on what you sell and where. This page explains the basics for small businesses and freelancers and opens a US-style invoice in the free generator.

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Example united states invoice

Description	Qty	Rate	Amount
Consulting services, October	1	$1,500.00	$1,500.00
Software setup (hours)	3	$120.00	$360.00
Subtotal			$1,860.00
Total			$1,860.00

Sample figures only. Replace them with your own in the generator.

What to include

Your business name, address, phone or email
The client's name and billing address
Invoice number, invoice date and due date, for example net 30
A clear description of goods or services, with quantity and rate
Sales tax shown as a separate line when it applies, at the right state or local rate
Payment instructions, such as ACH, wire, check or card, and any late fee terms

Common mistakes

Charging sales tax on services that are exempt in your state, or missing tax on items that are taxable. Rules vary by state.
Not collecting a W-9 from a contractor before paying them.
Using no due date, or terms that differ from the contract.
Mixing personal and business payment details.

Practical tips

Sales tax in the US is set by states, counties and cities, and whether it applies to services differs a lot. Check your state's department of revenue before adding tax, and register where required. If you pay independent contractors, collect a Form W-9 first. Businesses that pay contractors above a reporting threshold generally file Form 1099-NEC; the threshold has changed recently, so check the IRS site for the current figure. Late fees are only enforceable if they were agreed in advance, so state them in your contract and on the invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to charge sales tax on an invoice in the US?

It depends on your state and what you sell. Many states tax physical goods but not all services. Check your state's tax authority.

What are net 30 terms?

Net 30 means payment is due 30 days after the invoice date. It is a common default for business invoices.

What is a W-9 and when do I need one?

A W-9 is the form a US contractor gives you with their tax details so you can report payments. Collect it before the first payment.

Templates for United States by profession

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Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules and rates change, so check the IRS and your state's department of revenue before relying on it.