5 Billing Tips for Contractor Invoicing

Tracking and billing your time is one of the most important tasks you’ll take on as an independent contractor. Whatever billing method you choose, you’ll want to present a reputable, professional invoice to your clients. Follow these five tips to present a clean, professional invoice to your clients.

1. Set a Billing Policy

Creating billing policies and procedures for your business is a key organizational task. Your billing policy should include rates, billing method (paper or electronic), timing of invoicing (weekly, monthly, or project end), time to pay, preferred payment method, and late fees. Having a standardized set of rules will simplify your billing and help you evaluate client contracts.

However, even with an established policy in place, some client contracts may differ. In addition to having your own set of rules, it is also critical to understand your clients’ billing policies. Ensure that policies are outlined up front so you can present a compliant bill. For example, some clients may require a paper invoice and a longer time to pay than your standard billing terms. Knowing this in advance will allow you to make appropriate adjustments or negotiate these terms with your client.

2. Make Sure Your Process is Client-Friendly

When preparing your contractor invoice, remember your audience. In some cases, there may be multiple levels of review or invoices may be processed by a third-party vendor. Avoid the use of industry jargon or abbreviations in your descriptions so that anyone reviewing will understand what is being billed.

3. Keep Track of Your Time

Even if you bill by the project or by the month, it is always a good idea to keep a record of time spent on client tasks. As a best practice, always record your time immediately or as soon as possible. This will ensure that your records are both up-to-date and accurate. You can track time using time and billing software, smartphone apps, or even a simple notebook.

4. Review Invoice Details

The details on your particular contractor invoice may vary by industry or client requirements, but it is always important to include:

• A clear label as an invoice or bill
• Your name and contact information
• Date of the invoice
• Billing period
• Contractor invoice number
• Client reference number (purchase order number, account number, etc.)
• Client name and address
• A breakdown of services rendered
• Rates and/or fees
• Total amount due

To avoid billing conflicts, always have a signed agreement on file that articulates the billing process and terms.

5. Establish a Billing Process

When it comes to preparing professional contractor invoices, there are a number of options. You can create a simple invoice using a Word or Excel template. This is an easy, low-cost process. Alternatively, you can use time and billing software or see if your bank or credit card company offers invoicing services.

Managing accounting tasks such as time entry, invoicing, and collections requires accuracy, tracking, and follow-up. To eliminate unnecessary stress and dedicate your valuable time to billable work, you may want to consider a more comprehensive service option. MBO Partners can help you efficiently and compliantly complete these accounting tasks.

Lastly, remember that every client touch point reflects your brand—including invoices. Always present contractor invoices that are accurate, timely, and free of errors. Keep in mind that, depending on your particular business and client, some invoices may be more complicated than others, including itemized deductions, detailed work descriptions, or receipts.

If you’re wondering if you’re billing the right amount for your services, check out this article to learn more about how to calculate your bill rate.