Free Tattoo Artist Invoice Template & Generator
Create a free tattoo artist invoice that bills by the piece, by the hour, or by the session, with design and touch-up fees broken out clearly. Apply the deposit a client already paid, total the balance automatically, and download a polished PDF receipt.
Free PDFs include a small Invoity watermark; Pro is $9/month and removes it.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom half-sleeve session (hourly) | 5 | $160.00 | $800.00 |
| Design & consultation fee | 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
Tattoo Artist Invoicing by the Numbers
A clear invoice helps a tattoo artist get paid for custom designs, sessions, and deposits without awkward chase-up texts. Most tattoo artists work independently, and the independent workforce hit a record high in 2024, with 72.7 million Americans doing independent work, according to MBO Partners (2024). That freedom comes with cash-flow risk. According to the Intuit QuickBooks 2025 US Small Business Late Payments Report (2025), 56% of US small businesses are owed money from unpaid invoices, averaging about $17,500 each. The fix is simple: QuickBooks reports businesses get paid up to 1.4x faster on average using online invoices versus not (2025). A professional invoice protects both your art and your income.
What a tattoo invoice should include
Show whether the piece is priced by the hour, by a flat rate, or by a shop minimum, and break out the design fee, consultation, and any future touch-up policy as their own lines. Subtract the non-refundable deposit the client paid to book so the balance due is clear. Include the session date and a note that the deposit is non-refundable to back up your booking policy.
Deposits, shop minimums, and getting paid
Almost every tattoo artist takes a non-refundable deposit to hold an appointment, often applied to the final cost or forfeited on a no-show. State the shop minimum so small pieces are still worth your chair time. Most payment happens at the end of the session by card or cash, but a detailed invoice protects you on large multi-session pieces and keeps clean records for your 1099 taxes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a tattoo invoice with a deposit?
Use the tattoo artist template above, list the work by hourly rate or flat piece price, and add lines for design and consultation fees. Enter the non-refundable deposit the client already paid so the balance due updates automatically. Preview free, then download a watermark-free PDF receipt on the paid plan for your records and theirs.
Do tattoo artists charge sales tax?
It depends on your state. Some states tax tattooing as a taxable service, while others treat it as exempt personal services; aftercare products you sell are generally taxable goods. Rules differ widely, so confirm with your state's tax authority and list any retail products separately so tax applies only to those items, not the tattoo work itself.
Are tattoo deposits refundable?
Most shops make deposits non-refundable to cover design time and reserved chair hours. The deposit is typically applied toward the final price or forfeited if the client cancels late or no-shows. State your deposit policy in writing and on the invoice, and subtract the paid deposit from the total so the remaining balance is clear before the session.