Make an invoice in your browser
An invoice is a bill you send to a customer after you do the work or deliver the goods. It says who is billing whom, what was provided, how much is owed and when it is due. This free generator builds one as you type: add your business and client details, list each item with a quantity and rate, and the totals update on the invoice preview. When it looks right, press Print or save as PDF. Your browser's print window opens, and you can pick "Save as PDF" to get a file or print it on paper.
Everything runs in your browser. The names, addresses, amounts and logo you enter are not uploaded or sent to CentDaily or anyone else.
What to put on an invoice
Federal law does not set one required layout for an ordinary business invoice, and some customers or industries have their own rules. A clear invoice usually includes:
- your business name, address and contact details, and your client's name and address;
- a unique invoice number and the invoice date;
- a due date or payment terms, for example "Net 30" for payment within 30 days;
- a description of each item or service with quantity, rate and amount;
- the subtotal, any discount, any sales tax and the total, and how to pay you.
Number your invoices in order so you and your client can find them later. The tool starts with "INV-0001" and you can change it.
Discounts, sales tax and amounts already paid
The discount can be a percent or a dollar amount, and it is taken off the subtotal before sales tax. Sales tax is optional. If you enter a rate, the tool applies it only to the items marked "Taxable," after the discount's share for those items.
Sales tax rules vary by state and city. Whether a service, delivery charge or digital product is taxable differs from place to place, and local rates can change with the customer's address. There is no federal sales tax. CentDaily does not decide what is taxable, so check your state's department of revenue before you charge tax. You can find typical rates with the sales tax calculator. If a client has already paid a deposit, enter it under "Amount already paid" and the invoice shows the balance due.
Saving drafts and keeping your data private
By default, nothing is saved: close the page and the invoice is gone. If you tick the draft box, the form is stored in this browser's local storage on this device only, so you can return to it. The logo is not stored, and there is a button to clear the saved draft. Anyone using the same browser profile could see a saved draft, so leave the box unticked on a shared computer.
Records, taxes and getting paid
Keep a copy of every invoice you send and the payment you receive. The IRS expects records that support your income and expenses. Before you pay a contractor of your own, ask for a Form W-9 so you have their taxpayer identification number. If you work for yourself, income from invoices is usually subject to self-employment tax: see the self-employment tax calculator and the margin calculator to check your pricing. This page is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is this invoice generator really free and private?
Yes. It is free to use, needs no account, and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server. Drafts are saved only if you choose to, and only on your own device.
How do I save my invoice as a PDF?
Press "Print or save as PDF." In the print window, choose "Save as PDF" as the destination, turn off headers and footers for a clean page, and save. The print layout shows only the invoice, not the rest of the web page.
Do I have to charge sales tax on my invoice?
It depends on what you sell and where. Many services are not taxed in some states, while goods usually are. Rules and local rates differ, so check with your state's revenue department. Leave the sales tax box empty or uncheck "Taxable" on items that should not be taxed.