What does an invoice look like?

Invoicing is an essential part of any business. An invoice is not only a request for payment for services or products provided, but also a legal document that can be used in the event of a dispute. That is why it is so important to understand what a good and legally compliant invoice looks like. This article deals with this topic in detail, looking at the different types of invoices, such as choir invoices, reminder invoices and many others.
What are the grounds for invoicing?
Before starting to look at what the different types of invoices look like, it is worth understanding some basic concepts. Basically, an invoice is a commercial document that documents a transaction between two parties. It specifies the services or products provided, the costs and the payment terms. An invoice is not only an accounting document, it must also comply with certain legal requirements.
What does a correct invoice look like?
COR invoices, or small business invoices, are for entrepreneurs who qualify for the Small Business Administration (SBA) program. This type of invoice differs from a standard invoice in that it does not include VAT. This is because VAT is exempt under the SBA. In addition, the invoice must clearly state that the Small Business Scheme applies. It must also include all other standard elements, such as the invoice number, the business information of the sender and recipient, and the transaction details.
What does a reminder invoice look like?
A reminder invoice is an invoice sent to a customer if a previous invoice has not been paid after its due date. The main difference between a regular invoice and a reminder invoice is that a reminder invoice usually contains an additional box indicating the previous unpaid invoice and any additional charges or interest. It is important that the reminder invoice is clearly marked as a reminder invoice to avoid confusion.
What does an official invoice look like?
An official invoice must meet certain legal requirements to be recognised as such. These requirements may vary from country to country, but often include the following information:
- Invoice number
- Date of issue
- Information about the supplier and the client company
- Description of the services or products provided
- Amounts excluding and including VAT
- VAT rate
- Payment period
General terms and conditions are normally included, although not strictly required by law.
What does a VAT refund invoice look like?
If VAT is refundable, this means that the buyer of the goods or services is responsible for paying the VAT, not the supplier. In this case, the invoice must clearly state that the VAT has been recovered. Usually the invoice will contain the following sentence: “VAT recovered” and the VAT identification number of the customer. In addition, the invoice must contain all the standard elements except the VAT specification for each item.
What does a good invoice look like?
A good invoice is not only legal, but also clear, legible and tidy. A clear design helps both the sender and the recipient to process the invoice faster. It is also important that the invoice clearly indicates any special agreements or discounts. It is also advisable to use a unique invoice number for efficient management.
What does a chargeback invoice look like?
As mentioned above, a reverse charge invoice is a special type of invoice where the responsibility for VAT is passed on to the customer. In this case, it is very important that, in addition to the reversed VAT, the customer’s VAT identification number is indicated. Therefore, this invoice does not indicate the specific amounts of VAT for each item, but should make a clear reference to the reverse charge rule applicable.
What does an invoice without VAT look like?
A VAT-exclusive invoice is usually used in cases where no VAT is payable, for example for certain types of education or healthcare services. This type of invoice is similar to a standard invoice but without the VAT reference. To avoid confusion, the invoice should clearly state why VAT is not charged.
The invoice is therefore more than just a document – it is a key link in business transactions and possibly legal evidence. We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive overview of what the different types of invoices look like and what information they should contain. By invoicing carefully and thoughtfully, you will lay a solid foundation for a successful business.