What to Include on a Contractor Invoice

Start with the standard details

A contractor invoice needs everything a normal invoice does: your business details, the customer's details, an invoice number, dates, line items, totals, and payment instructions. On top of that, a few extra details help avoid back and forth.

Name the job and the address

Include the job name or the property address where the work happened. Customers with more than one property, and general contractors managing several jobs, will thank you for it.

Separate labor and materials

Listing labor and materials as separate line items makes your pricing easier to understand. For bigger jobs, you might group materials into a few sensible lines instead of listing every fitting.

• Labor, with hours or a flat amount
• Materials and supplies
• Equipment rental
• Permits and inspection fees
• Disposal or cleanup fees, if any

Progress billing for bigger jobs

On longer projects, many contractors bill in stages, such as after rough-in and again at completion. Label each invoice clearly, for example "Progress billing: rough-in complete", so everyone knows which stage is being paid.

License numbers and other requirements

Some states and local authorities expect a contractor's license number on invoices, contracts, or advertising. Requirements vary, so check with your state licensing board if you are unsure what applies to you.

Make paying easy

State your due date and the ways you accept payment. If you use software that lets customers pay online, include the payment link or send the invoice through that software so the customer can pay as soon as they open it.