What every SA invoice must include
- Your details — business name, address, phone and email.
- The customer's details — name, and address for larger invoices.
- A unique invoice number — sequential, so your records are clean.
- The date the invoice is issued.
- A clear description of the work or goods, with quantities and prices.
- The total, with VAT shown separately if you're registered.
- Your banking details and a payment reference.
- Payment terms — e.g. "due on completion" or "7 days".
VAT-registered? Your invoice must show the words "Tax Invoice", your VAT number, and the 15% VAT — there's a stricter list. See what must be on a tax invoice.
Template vs doing it properly
A template in Word or Excel works — until you're doing ten a week, renumbering them by hand, recalculating VAT, and digging through files to see who's paid. That's the moment a template costs you more time than it saves. The faster path is software that numbers each invoice itself, adds the VAT, brands it with your logo, and tracks what's outstanding — all from your phone on the job.
Skip the template — invoice in 60 seconds
BlitzBooks builds branded, VAT-ready invoices from your phone, numbers them automatically, and shows you exactly who still owes you. Free for 7 days, no card.
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- VAT calculator — add or remove 15% VAT.
- Quote vs invoice vs pro forma — which document to send when.
- How to chase a late-paying customer.