What is a Contractor Invoice?

A contractor invoice is a document through which a contractor bills an individual or company for the services or supplies he provided. Typically, this invoice lists the exact quantity of supplies a person provided, hourly rate charges, or flat-rate fees. Usually, a contractor invoice also includes information about the contractor's terms of payment. For example, it may state that the recipient of the invoice has a particular number of days in which to pay the amount listed on the invoice. It may list the acceptable methods of payment as well.

Contractors are not employees, so they typically do not depend on automatic payment through a company’s payroll system. Essentially, they are independent workers who are self-employed. To receive payment for the services he offers, a contractor usually prepares a contractor invoice and submits it to his client. For example, a person may prepare a contractor invoice for his clients if he is a builder, electrician, freelance writer, or plumber. Even a handyman may prepare contractor invoices in some cases.

The information a person includes when he prepares a contractor invoice may depend on the type of works he does. Typically, however, a contractor invoice should include that contractor’s name or business name and the address and phone number through which he can be contacted in relation to the invoice; some contractors list their e-mail addressed as well. Often, this type of invoice also includes information about the person or company responsible for paying the invoice. For example, it may include the recipient’s name or business name, address, and phone number. It may also include the name of the contractor’s contact person at the company.

The entries that are on a contractor invoice may depend on the type of business the contractor runs. For example, a contractor involved in the construction industry may have blanks for supplies and labor on his invoice. A freelance writer many not list supplies on his invoice, but may have blanks for hourly writing fees or flat-rate writing work instead. If a contractor sometimes charges a flat rate but may also charge hourly rates for some of his clients, he may have blanks for both flat-rate services and hourly fees on his invoice. Additionally, a contractor may have blanks for entering tax charges and special fees on his invoice.

A contractor's invoice usually includes information about when an invoice is generated and when it is due. For example, a contractor's invoice may list the date on which the contractor prepared the invoice as well as the date on which the payment is due. It may also include the terms the contractor has set for payment. It may, for instance, state that the invoice is due upon receipt or within a particular number of days of receiving it. Additionally, it may list the forms of payment the contractor is willing to accept.