10 Invoicing Software Tools for Freelancers, Including Free Invoice Options

The purpose of an invoice as a freelancer is to ensure prompt payment and maintain an efficient process and accountability, which can be achieved by using a professional invoice template. One of the standout features of Bonsai is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate, even for those with little experience using invoicing software. Overall, Bonsai is a comprehensive solution for freelancers looking to simplify their invoicing and project management processes. Justin Bosco is the President of Form + Function, a digital marketing agency.

The Fundamentals of Freelancer Invoicing

• These invoices detail the total amount due for the services rendered and serve as a formal request for payment.
• Just input customer details, along with product and price information, and send your professional invoice swiftly.
• What is surprising to me is how low the business side skills of most freelancers are.
• Plus, as a self-hosted option requires technical expertise and maintenance, it might be less suitable for users who prefer a fully managed, cloud-based solution.
• The software is easy to set up and use, with a simple and intuitive interface.
• You may want to consider adding a thoughtful, personalized note to your invoice as well.

Just fill in the right VAT value (e.g. 7%) and the app will calculate the correct total price. An invoice is an itemized bill for goods or services to be paid at a later time. Note the word “itemized,” meaning that each item on the bill or each charge is listed separately. Also, note that the invoice includes information on when the customer must pay (more on this later). By creating and sending invoices in a timely manner, you make the workflow smoother for yourself as well as your client. Throughout your freelance career, you’re likely to encounter difficult clients, receive the wrong payment amounts, or be forced to wait for late payments.

Do you bill for invoicing time?

And they offer 0% service charge on your first invoice and only 6% on paid invoices after that. Never, I repeat, never say that you don’t provide invoices or don’t know how to make one. Hendershot-Hurd says that when an invoice isn’t paid within 30 days, she contacts the client, always assuming some third party is to blame for this client’s failure to pay.

Why freelancers need invoicing software

That said, here are a few things every freelance invoice should include. Our platform allows you to track payment timelines and payout dates in real-time and from one centralized location. If your client still doesn’t pay or doesn’t come up with a payment plan you’re satisfied with, gently but firmly remind them of the consequences of non-payment. These consequences should be laid out in the contract you and the client both signed before you began your work. You are working as a business to provide your services, so your invoices should reflect your competency.

How to Find Time To Write?

• Will you charge a late fee if the client doesn’t clear the invoice by the due date?
• Invoicing software simplifies the process by allowing you to send invoices seamlessly through the platform or mobile app with just a click.
• Invoicing is an integral part of the freelance business, as it directly impacts cash flow and client relationships.
• Plutio helps you create tasks for whatever needs to get done and keeps you organized so you can stay focused.
• You can download and use a free invoice template or you can fill out the fields of an invoice generator which will then automatically create your invoice.
• It’s easier for you and the client if you write out the details for each article – no one has to wonder which items have been billed, paid, and marked off a list.

Our goal here is to take the hassle out of choosing an invoice generator, so you can get on with getting paid. While you might start by learning how to make an invoice in Microsoft Word, eventually you’ll want to transition to an invoicing software or invoice generator that automates some of the work. The biggest limitation of the Lite plan for freelancers https://www.bookstime.com/articles/schedule-k-1 will probably be the number of clients (5). The next plan up is the Plus plan, which allows you to manage 50 billable clients for $25 per month. Invoicely is an app that specializes in invoicing, but it also has some other features that may interest you. They offer a free plan that has limited features but is more than suitable for some freelancers.

Quickbooks, owned by Intuit, is the OG of accounting and invoicing software. Plus, as a self-hosted option requires technical expertise and maintenance, it might be less suitable for users who prefer a fully managed, cloud-based solution. Plus, as a cloud-based platform, users without a reliable internet connection may face challenges accessing their financial data or performing tasks in real-time. These days, PayPal has stepped up its game with built-in estimates, recurring invoices, reports offering sales insights and more.

Client’s information

• The best freelance invoicing software helps you create, send and track invoices in a simple way.
• Once you log in for the first time, you will get prompted to upload your logo.
• Let’s explore the many advantages of invoicing software, including several designed explicitly for freelancers like you.
• You don’t claim the VAT back because no VAT was added to the invoice.
• They’ve got an entire suite of resources for freelancers who want to run their business on autopilot.

You could either send the same invoice with a revised final due date or create a new invoice and add the late fee. If you charge your clients per project and each project lasts for less than a month, you need to send a final invoice once you complete the project. For example, a freelance writer may have freelancers happy with new invoice system a contract with a company to write six pieces each month. It’s easier for you and the client if you write out the details for each article – no one has to wonder which items have been billed, paid, and marked off a list. Your invoice is an official representation of the services provided to the client.

Not only can these help solidify your relationship with each client, one study showed including “please” or “thank you” on your invoice can increase your likelihood to get paid on time. The key is to keep your process fast and simple because you typically can’t bill loads of hours to creating invoices (more on that later). I’ve recently met the founder of Plutio, an up-and-coming freelance invoice app that handles not only invoicing but everything your small business might need. Plutio helps you create tasks for whatever needs to get done and keeps you organized so you can stay focused. If you’re a freelancer with a fairly simple business, not a lot of over-complicated projects, and a modest budget, then you can try Bonsai completely free using this link.

Things You Need to Do to Get Ready for Your Freelance Tax Filing

• The software also integrates with several popular payment gateways, making it easy for users to accept customer payments.
• Making an invoice can be as simple as opening a word document and typing a few details including business name, services rendered, cost of services, and terms of payment.
• I started freelancing in 2020 and to date I’ve brought in almost $100,000 in revenue in addition to my full-time job.
• Use the template below as a starting point to create your invoice structure that you can use and reuse for years to come.
• Like the other guys, the Harpoon app has a free trial you can use to get started.
• It’s worth learning how to structure and send a past-due invoice because only 26% of freelancers in the US receive on-time payments for all of their invoices.

If you’re primarily interested in an invoicing app, you’ll be better off going with one of the other apps, like Wave or Invoicely (although Wave does offer some accounting functionality as well). There’s no reason to pay for access to FreshBooks if you’re only using features that are available with other apps for free. The free plan also gives you access to accounting software with income and expense tracking, unlimited bank and credit card connections, and more. Timely invoicing is essential for freelancers to establish an efficient workflow and avoid any miscommunication with clients. It helps keep payments on time and helps maintain a good business relationship with clients.