How to Invoice as a Contractor (Template + What to Include)
Slow payment is usually a paperwork problem. An invoice with the right fields, clean math, and clear terms gets approved on first pass — here's the checklist.
The non-negotiable fields
Your business name and contact, invoice number and date, client and job address, itemized lines with quantities and rates, the total, and payment terms. Add your license number — several states require it, and it signals legitimacy everywhere.
Separate labor from materials
GCs and property managers approve faster when they can see the split; some states tax materials but not labor. One line per cost type — the generator totals them automatically.
Terms that actually get you paid
State a due date ("Net 14"), a late-fee policy, and accepted payment methods in the notes. For jobs over a few thousand, invoice progress draws rather than one lump at the end.
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