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Contractor bill format: running bills and works invoices

Builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, fabricators and interior contractors usually bill in stages. Each stage is a "running bill" and the last one is the "final bill".

What a contractor's bill needs

• Work order reference in the "Order / PO number" field, and the bill stage in the description ("RA Bill 2: plastering, ground floor").
• Measured quantities with units like Sq ft, Mtr, Nos or Job, so the client can check against the measurement book.
• Site address as the ship-to address, which also helps decide the place of supply for work on property.
• SAC or HSN codes for the work or material, and the GST rate that applies to your kind of contract.

Retention, advances and deductions

Write retention money, advances adjusted and TDS expected in Notes, so both sides see the same figures. Keep the invoice total for the value of work done in that stage.

Tips

• Use Copy as new for the next running bill and only change the quantities.
• Rates for works contracts depend on the type of work and the client (government, housing, commercial). Confirm the rate with your accountant before your first bill.
• Add your signature or stamp picture once: it prints on every bill.