Guides

How to invoice as a freelancer

By Marissa · Founder of Dunn · Freelancer for 15+ years · Updated October 18, 2026

As a freelancer, invoicing is how your work turns into rent money. A clear invoice sent on time is the single biggest thing you control about getting paid.

Before the work: agree on terms

Write down the price, when you'll bill (upfront, by milestone, or at the end), when payment is due, and the late fee. An email both of you reply "yes" to is better than nothing.

Find out who pays

The person who hired you often isn't the one who pays. At bigger clients, ask "Who should I send invoices to?" on day one. Sending it to the wrong inbox is one of the most common reasons freelancers get paid late.

What to put on it

• The word "Invoice" and a unique number (001, 002, 003).
• Your name or business and contact details.
• The client's name, plus the person or team who handles payments.
• The invoice date and a real due date.
• Each piece of work on its own line: what you delivered, when, and the price or hours × rate.
• The total, plus any tax that applies where you live.
• How to pay, and your late fee.

More in our invoice checklist.

When to send it

The day you deliver. For long projects, bill at milestones or ask for a deposit (deposit or bill after?).

Payment terms

14 or 30 days are common. Whatever you choose, write an actual date ("Due October 31") instead of "Net 30". See Net 30 explained.

Hourly or flat rate?

Either works. For hourly work, list the hours and rate. For flat-rate work, describe what was delivered.

A note on taxes

Freelancers usually handle their own taxes, and some services need sales tax. Rules differ by state, so check with a tax professional if you're unsure.

How Dunn helps

Dunn handles every step on this page. You add your client and what you did, pick a due date, and send. Dunn emails the invoice in your name with a numbered invoice, a clear due date, your late fee terms, and a pay button for card or bank. It reminds your client before the due date, on it, and after it, so you never have to chase. If they’re late, Dunn adds the late fee you agreed on, with a heads-up to you the day before in case you want to lower or waive it. The money goes straight to your own Stripe account, and Dunn shows you which clients are always late, so you know who to ask for a deposit next time.

Quick answers

Do freelancers need a business to send invoices?
No. You can invoice under your own name.

What payment terms should I use?
Due in 14 days is a common start for freelancers. A real date beats 'Net 30'.

What if a client never pays?
Send reminders, add the agreed late fee, and stop new work until you're paid. Dunn handles the reminders and the fee for you.

Can clients pay by card?
With Dunn, yes. Every invoice has a pay button for card or bank, through your own Stripe account.