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Free Proforma Invoice Generator

A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale you send before goods ship or work begins, so your customer can confirm the price, scope, and terms ahead of time. Use the generator on this page to build and preview a clear proforma invoice free, with no signup required. PDF downloads cost $4.99 per document, or are included with Unlimited.

Create proforma invoice No account required to begin

Show the expected terms of a sale before it is final. Send it before delivery, approval, or customs clearance.

Create & preview free. Watermark-free PDF: $4.99 USD. No subscription required.

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How to make a proforma invoice in 4 steps

  1. Open the proforma invoice generator

    Choose Proforma Invoice and fill in your business details and the other party, with no account needed to start.

  2. Add the line items

    List the services or goods this proforma invoice covers. Totals, and any tax line, calculate as you type.

  3. Set the number and dates

    Give the proforma invoice a unique number and the right dates so it can be traced and matched to related documents later.

  4. Preview and download the PDF

    Read the finished proforma invoice before sending it. Preview is free; a PDF download costs $4.99, or is included with Unlimited.

Proforma Invoice rules by jurisdiction

Each figure below is taken from the tax authority or statute that sets it, and links to the official page it came from so you can check it yourself.

Legally required invoice contents by jurisdiction (EU, UK, Australia, Canada)

Covers the mandatory content of a standard business-to-business sales/VAT/GST invoice under each jurisdiction's core indirect-tax rule as published by the tax authority; it does not cover simplified invoices, e-invoicing mandates, sector-specific rules (margin schemes, RCTIs, self-billing detail), customs/export commercial invoices, or US state-level requirements.

Legally required invoice contents by jurisdiction (EU, UK, Australia, Canada). Covers the mandatory content of a standard business-to-business sales/VAT/GST invoice under each jurisdiction's core indirect-tax rule as published by the tax authority; it does not cover simplified invoices, e-invoicing mandates, sector-specific rules (margin schemes, RCTIs, self-billing detail), customs/export commercial invoices, or US state-level requirements. Each row links to the official source it was taken from.
Jurisdiction
European Union
Governing rule
Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Article 226 (consolidated text in force from 01/01/2025, as amended by Directive 2010/45/EU)
Mandatory elements
(1) date of issue; (2) sequential number uniquely identifying the invoice; (3) supplier's VAT identification number; (4) customer's VAT identification number where customer is liable for VAT or receives an Art. 138 supply; (5) full name and address of supplier and customer; (6) quantity and nature of goods / extent and nature of services; (7) date of supply or payment on account where it differs from date of issue; (7a) the mention 'Cash accounting' where applicable; (8) taxable amount per rate or exemption, unit price excluding VAT, and discounts or rebates not included in the unit price; (9) VAT rate applied; (10) VAT amount payable; (10a) the mention 'Self-billing' where the customer issues the invoice; (11) reference to the applicable provision where the supply is exempt; (11a) the mention 'Reverse charge' where the customer is liable for VAT; (12) characteristics of a new means of transport; (13) the mention 'Margin scheme — Travel agents'; (14) the mention 'Margin scheme — Second-hand goods' / 'Works of art' / 'Collector's items and antiques'; (15) tax representative's VAT identification number, full name and address
Notes
Directive text; each Member State implements it in national law. Art. 227 lets a Member State additionally require the customer's VAT identification number in cases beyond point (4). Art. 273 does NOT permit extra invoicing obligations — it expressly states that it 'may not be relied upon in order to impose additional invoicing obligations over and above those laid down in Chapter 3'. Art. 226a allows points (8), (9) and (10) to be omitted in defined cross-border cases; Art. 226b sets the reduced content of simplified invoices; Art. 238 lets Member States, after consulting the VAT Committee, permit simplified invoices (e.g. where the invoice amount is above EUR 100 but not above EUR 400).
Source
Publications Office of the European Union / EUR-Lex (Council of the European Union)Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax, Article 226 · Consolidated version in force from 01/01/2025; points (7a), (10a), (11), (11a), (13), (14) as amended by Directive 2010/45/EU (applicable from 1 January 2013)
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Governing rule
VAT guide (VAT Notice 700), section 16.3 'Information required on a VAT invoice', paragraph 16.3.1 'General' (HMRC guidance; underlying statutory rule is in the VAT Regulations 1995)
Mandatory elements
A sequential number based on one or more series which uniquely identifies the document; the time of the supply (tax point); the date of issue of the document (where different to the time of supply); your name, address and VAT registration number; the name and address of the person to whom the goods or services have been supplied; a description sufficient to identify the goods or services supplied; for each description, the quantity of the goods or the extent of the services, the rate of VAT, and the amount payable excluding VAT; the gross total amount payable, excluding VAT; the rate of any cash discount offered; the total amount of VAT chargeable (must be expressed in sterling); the unit price
Notes
Amounts excluding VAT may be expressed in any currency, but the total VAT chargeable must be in sterling. A VAT invoice must normally be issued within 30 days of the tax point arising. Where goods are supplied from Northern Ireland to a customer in an EU member state and the supply is zero-rated or exempt, the invoice must also show the reason for that.
Source
HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)VAT guide (VAT Notice 700), section 16 'VAT invoices', paragraph 16.3.1 · Page published 17 December 2014; last updated 25 June 2026
Jurisdiction
Australia
Governing rule
ATO guidance 'Tax invoices' (GST); requirements detailed in GSTR 2013/1
Mandatory elements
For taxable sales of less than $1,000, enough information to clearly determine 7 details: (1) document is intended to be a tax invoice; (2) seller's identity; (3) seller's Australian business number (ABN); (4) date the invoice was issued; (5) brief description of the items sold, including the quantity (if applicable) and the price; (6) GST amount (if any) payable — shown separately, or as 'Total price includes GST' where the GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total price; (7) extent to which each sale on the invoice is a taxable sale. Sales of $1,000 or more must also show the buyer's identity or ABN.
Notes
A supplier must provide a tax invoice within 28 days of a customer's request, unless the sale is $82.50 (including GST) or less. Invoices meeting the $1,000-or-more requirements may also be used for smaller sales. Digital/PDF invoices are acceptable if they carry all required information.
Source
Australian Taxation OfficeTax invoices (GST), QC22438 · Page last updated 14 September 2026
Jurisdiction
Canada
Governing rule
Input Tax Credit Information (GST/HST) Regulations, made under s. 169(4)(a) of the Excise Tax Act; set out in CRA Guide RC4022, 'Input tax credit information requirements' table
Mandatory elements
Total sale under $100: supplier's business or trading name (or intermediary's name); the invoice date or, if no invoice issued, the date on which the GST/HST is paid or payable; the total amount paid or payable. Total sale of $100 to $499.99: all of the above, plus an indication of the total amount of the GST/HST charged (or that the amount paid or payable for each taxable supply, other than zero-rated supplies, includes GST/HST at the applicable rate); an indication of the status of each supply where the invoice includes both taxable and exempt supplies; the supplier's or intermediary's GST/HST registration number. Total sale of $500 or more: all of the above, plus the buyer's name or trading name (or the name of the buyer's authorized agent or representative); a brief description of the property or services; the terms of payment.
Notes
These are the particulars a GST/HST registrant must give customers who are registrants so the customer can support a claim for an input tax credit or rebate. Thresholds are on the total sale amount. The $100 and $500 thresholds replaced earlier $30 and $150 thresholds as of 20 April 2021 — older CRA material, including GST/HST Memorandum 8.4 (August 2012), still shows the superseded $30 / $150 figures and should not be relied on.
Source
Canada Revenue AgencyRC4022 General Information for GST/HST Registrants, 'Input tax credit information requirements'; and Excise and GST/HST News – No. 118 · Thresholds of $100 and $500 effective April 20, 2021 (previously $30 and $150); RC4022(E) Rev. 25

Figures confirmed against the linked official sources on . Thresholds and rates change, so check the source before relying on a figure for filing or a legal deadline. Invoity generates documents and does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice.

  • Use the rules for your jurisdiction and invoice type. Simplified invoices, e-invoicing mandates and sector-specific regimes are outside this table.
  • For EU businesses, check the national rules implementing the Directive. The cited consolidated text does not cover subsequent amendments.
  • Canada: use the current RC4022 requirements rather than the older thresholds in GST/HST Memorandum 8-4.
  • Australia: the threshold for supplying a tax invoice on request is separate from the threshold that determines its required contents.
  • US invoice-field requirements are not included in this table.

How long businesses must keep invoices, receipts and supporting financial records, by jurisdiction

Tax-authority record retention rules for business books, invoices and supporting documents in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the European Union, as stated on the official pages fetched on 2026-09-15; it does not cover non-tax obligations (company law, employment law, industry regulators) or country-by-country EU implementations.

How long businesses must keep invoices, receipts and supporting financial records, by jurisdiction. Tax-authority record retention rules for business books, invoices and supporting documents in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the European Union, as stated on the official pages fetched on 2026-09-15; it does not cover non-tax obligations (company law, employment law, industry regulators) or country-by-country EU implementations. Each row links to the official source it was taken from.
Jurisdiction
United States (federal income tax)
Minimum retention period
3 years, extended to 6 years where unreported income exceeds 25% of gross income shown on the return; 7 years for a worthless securities or bad debt claim; indefinitely if no return is filed or a fraudulent return is filed
What it applies to
Records supporting an income tax return, under the period of limitations for that return
Authority
IRS — How long should I keep records?
Source
Internal Revenue ServiceHow long should I keep records? (Small Business/Self-Employed) · Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 30-Jun-2026
Jurisdiction
United States (employment taxes)
Minimum retention period
At least 4 years
What it applies to
Employment tax records, measured after the date the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later
Authority
IRS — How long should I keep records?
Source
Internal Revenue ServiceHow long should I keep records? (Small Business/Self-Employed) · Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 30-Jun-2026
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom — self-employed / sole trader
Minimum retention period
At least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year
What it applies to
Business records supporting a Self Assessment tax return
Authority
HMRC / GOV.UK — Business records if you're self-employed: How long to keep your records
Source
HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)Business records if you're self-employed: How long to keep your records
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom — limited company
Minimum retention period
6 years from the end of the last company financial year they relate to, or longer in stated cases
What it applies to
Company accounting records, including invoices, receipts, contracts, bank statements and records needed for annual accounts and the Company Tax Return
Authority
HMRC / GOV.UK — Running a limited company: Company and accounting records
Source
HM Revenue & Customs / Companies House (GOV.UK)Running a limited company: your responsibilities — Company and accounting records
Jurisdiction
Canada
Minimum retention period
6 years from the end of the last tax year they relate to
What it applies to
All required business records and supporting documents (books and records), unless the CRA gives written permission to destroy them earlier
Authority
CRA — Where to keep your records, for how long and how to request the permission to destroy them early
Source
Canada Revenue AgencyWhere to keep your records, for how long and how to request the permission to destroy them early · Date modified: 2026-08-03
Jurisdiction
Australia
Minimum retention period
5 years for most business records
What it applies to
Most business records kept for tax, super and registration obligations; the 5 years starts from when you got the records or completed the transactions or actions they relate to, whichever is later. Some records must be kept longer — for example company records and some employee records for 7 years
Authority
business.gov.au (Australian Government) — Record keeping
Source
Australian Taxation OfficeOverview of record-keeping rules for business (QC60718) — Five rules for record keeping · Last updated 18 June 2026
Jurisdiction
European Union (VAT)
Minimum retention period
No EU-wide period — each Member State sets its own storage period
What it applies to
Storage of copies of invoices issued and all invoices received by a taxable person, for supplies in that Member State's territory and invoices received by taxable persons established there
Authority
Council Directive 2006/112/EC (VAT Directive), Articles 244 and 247(1)
Source
EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union)Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax, consolidated text 02006L0112 — EN — 01.01.2025, Title XI Chapter 4 Section 3 (Articles 244, 247) · Consolidated text as at 01.01.2025 (original directive of 28 November 2006, OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1)

Figures confirmed against the linked official sources on . Thresholds and rates change, so check the source before relying on a figure for filing or a legal deadline. Invoity generates documents and does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice.

  • Retention depends on the type of record and the relevant tax return; there is no single period that covers every document.
  • Company, employment, industry and other rules may require longer retention than the tax periods shown. Open audits, appeals and litigation can also extend retention duties.
  • EU Member States set their own invoice-storage periods. Check the national rules that apply to your business.

Proforma invoice vs quote vs purchase order vs commercial invoice

Choose the document for the transaction stage. The title alone does not determine whether an agreement is enforceable; accepted terms and applicable law matter.

Document
Proforma invoice
Main purpose
Proposed transaction or eligible non-sale shipment
What to check
Validity, estimates and carrier requirements
Document
Quote
Main purpose
Proposed scope and price
What to check
Acceptance and agreed terms
Document
Purchase order
Main purpose
Order from the buyer
What to check
Supplier acceptance and purchasing terms
Document
Commercial invoice
Main purpose
Sale and shipping details
What to check
Final quantities, values and customs requirements

A proforma for samples is different from a final sale invoice

For goods sold internationally, a commercial invoice is normally the relevant shipping invoice. Some non-sale shipments, including samples, may use a proforma. Confirm the document type, declared value and required fields with the carrier or customs broker for the origin, destination and goods. A sample supplied free of charge does not automatically have zero customs value.

What a proforma invoice is and when to use it

A proforma invoice is a good-faith estimate of a sale, sent to a customer before you deliver goods or services and before payment is due. It looks like a regular invoice and lists the same products, quantities, and prices, but it isn't a demand for payment and doesn't record a completed sale in your books. US freelancers, contractors, and small businesses use a proforma invoice to quote a project, confirm scope and pricing before starting work, request a deposit, or give a buyer a document to arrange financing or budget approval. It's also common in international shipping, where customs needs a declared value before goods arrive. Send one whenever you want the customer to review and approve the numbers before anything becomes final or money changes hands.

What to include on a proforma invoice

A proforma invoice carries most of the same details as a final invoice, with a few key differences. Clearly label the document "Proforma Invoice" so no one mistakes it for a payable bill. Include your business name, address, and contact info, plus your Tax ID or EIN if you use one; the customer's name and billing details; a reference number; and the issue date along with a validity period (for example, "valid for 30 days"), since quoted prices can change. Itemize each product or service with a description, quantity, unit price, and line total, then show the subtotal, estimated sales tax if it applies in your state, and the grand total in USD. Add expected delivery or completion timing, your proposed payment terms, accepted payment methods, and any deposit you're requesting.

How it differs from a regular invoice or receipt

A proforma describes a proposed transaction; a final invoice requests payment under the agreed terms, and a receipt records money received. Do not book revenue or a payment solely because a draft proforma exists. The actual transaction, your accounting method and local rules determine the records required, including deposits. Keep accepted terms and corrections with the final invoice.

How to create a proforma invoice free on this page

You don't need accounting software to build a proforma invoice. Enter your business and customer details, add a line for each product or service with its quantity and unit price, and the subtotal, estimated tax, and total calculate as you type in USD. Set a reference number, the issue date, and a validity period, then add proposed payment terms, any deposit request, and expected delivery timing. Make sure the document is clearly marked "Proforma Invoice." Creating and previewing is free; PDF downloads cost $4.99 per document, or are included with Unlimited.

Frequently asked questions

Is a proforma invoice a legally binding demand for payment?

A proforma is usually preliminary. Its title alone does not determine whether an agreement is binding: agreed terms, acceptance and applicable law matter. Keep the accepted agreement and obtain jurisdiction-specific advice if payment is disputed.

Can I use a proforma invoice for my accounting or sales tax?

A draft proforma alone does not establish revenue, payment received or a tax deduction. Keep it with the order records and ask your accountant how the actual transaction, deposits and final invoice should be recorded under your accounting method and local rules.

What's the difference between a proforma invoice and a quote or estimate?

They're very similar in purpose, and many small businesses use the terms loosely. Both give a customer expected pricing before a sale. A proforma invoice is usually more formal and detailed, laid out like a real invoice with line items, totals, and terms, which makes it useful for deposit requests, budget approvals, or customs. A quote or estimate can be a simpler, less structured price summary. Either way, neither is a demand for payment.

Should I charge sales tax on a proforma invoice?

Show estimated sales tax only if the sale would actually be taxable in your state, and label it as an estimate. Since a proforma isn't a final tax document, you don't remit tax based on it. Including the estimated tax helps the customer see the full expected cost in USD upfront. When you issue the final invoice, confirm the correct tax amount then. Check your state's rules or ask an accountant if you're unsure whether your sale is taxable.

How do I turn a proforma invoice into a final invoice?

Once the customer approves the proforma and you're ready to bill, create a new document clearly labeled "Invoice" rather than "Proforma Invoice," give it a unique sequential invoice number, and carry over the same line items, quantities, and prices. Update the issue date, add a due date and payment terms, and confirm the sales tax. On this page you can reuse the same details to generate the final invoice and download it as a PDF, keeping your records consistent.

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