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Service invoice format for freelancers and professionals

Designers, developers, consultants, tutors, repair shops and agencies all bill for services. The format is the same tax invoice, with a few service-specific habits.

What a service invoice needs

• SAC code instead of an HSN code (for example 998314 for IT design and development services, as an example of the format).
• A clear description: what you did and for which period or milestone ("Website design, phase 1, October 2026").
• Unit: Hrs, Days, Month or Job, so the client sees how the amount was worked out.
• Place of supply: for a registered client, usually the client's state. A client in another state means IGST.
• Due date and payment terms.

When to issue

A service invoice must be issued within 30 days of providing the service. For monthly retainers, bill at the end of each month.

Not registered under GST?

Many freelancers are below the registration limit. Choose Invoice (not GST registered): the bill shows no GSTIN and no tax. If you work for clients outside India, ask your accountant about export of services and the LUT.

Tips

• Add your bank details and UPI ID once; they print on every invoice.
• Use Copy as new in Saved invoices for monthly bills: same client and items, new number and date.
• Write late-payment terms in Terms and conditions, for example "Interest at 18% a year after the due date".