A service invoice format for freelancers, consultants, agencies and professionals: a GST sample with SAC codes, a USD freelance invoice for foreign clients, and free templates you can edit or fill online.
Service invoice vs goods invoice
A service invoice has no quantity of goods to ship, so it focuses on what was done and for which period: “Website maintenance, October 2026” or “Consulting, 12 hours at 2,500 per hour”. It uses SAC codes instead of HSN under GST, and two copies instead of three.
Freelancers who are not GST registered simply leave out GSTIN and tax. Freelancers billing foreign clients usually invoice in USD, GBP or EUR.
Service invoice sample (with GST)
TAX INVOICE
Prahladnagar, Ahmedabad 380015
GSTIN: 24AAJFP4321R1Z6 | State: Gujarat (24)
Date: 31 Oct 2026
Due date: 15 Nov 2026
Place of supply: Gujarat (24)
Bill to: Neelkanth Builders LLP
402, Shivalik Plaza, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380015
GSTIN: 24AAKFN5678Q1Z2 | State: Gujarat (24)
| # | Description | HSN/SAC | Qty | Rate | Taxable value | GST | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Website maintenance, October 2026 | 998314 | 1 Month | 18,000.00 | 18,000.00 | 18% | 21,240.00 |
| 2 | Google Ads management, October 2026 | 998366 | 1 Month | 12,000.00 | 12,000.00 | 18% | 14,160.00 |
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Taxable value | ₹30,000.00 |
| CGST @ 9% | ₹2,700.00 |
| SGST @ 9% | ₹2,700.00 |
| Total | ₹35,400.00 |
Amount in words: Rupees Thirty Five Thousand Four Hundred Only
For PixelPeak Digital
Authorised Signatory
Freelance invoice template (USD, no GST)
INVOICE
Bandra West, Mumbai 400050, India
hello@riyakapoor.design
Date: 14 Oct 2026
Due: 29 Oct 2026
Bill to: Northwind Studio Ltd, 22 Market Street, London EC2A 4NE, United Kingdom
| # | Description | Qty | Rate (USD) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brand identity design (logo, colours, type) | 1 Project | 1,800.00 | 1,800.00 |
| 2 | Social media templates | 12 | 45.00 | 540.00 |
| 3 | Extra revisions | 3 hrs | 40.00 | 120.00 |
| Total | USD 2,460.00 |
Amount in words: US Dollars Two Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Only
Payment by bank transfer within 15 days. Account: Riya Kapoor, SWIFT ABCDINBBXXX.
Consultancy and professional bill format
Consultants, CAs, lawyers, architects and doctors often bill by fee note or professional bill. The layout is the same as a service invoice: description of the professional service, period or matter, fee, any out of pocket expenses shown separately, tax if registered, and payment details.
Show reimbursements (travel, filing fees) on their own lines so the client can see what is fee and what is cost.
Getting paid faster
Do
- Invoice the day work is delivered or the month ends.
- Write the due date as a date, not “on receipt”.
- Add bank, UPI or payment link on the invoice.
- Reference the PO, contract or proposal number.
Avoid
- Do not bundle unclear lines like “Misc work”.
- Do not send a Word file the client can edit.
- Do not forget late payment terms if you use them.
- Do not charge GST if you are not registered.
Frequently asked questions
Do freelancers need GST registration to invoice?
Not always. Registration depends on turnover and the type of service. If you are not registered, issue an invoice without GSTIN or GST.
What is SAC on a service invoice?
SAC is the Services Accounting Code, the service version of HSN. It goes in the HSN/SAC column of a GST invoice.
How should I bill hourly work?
Put hours in the quantity column, “hrs” as the unit and your hourly rate as the rate. The generator multiplies it for you.
Can I invoice a client abroad in dollars?
Yes. Choose USD in the currency selector and the international number style so the amount in words reads in dollars and cents.
Checked and updated 14 Oct 2026. Independent template site; not tax or legal advice.