Example consulting invoice
Here is what a typical consulting invoice built with this template looks like. It bills 4 line items, from “Strategy workshop – leadership team” to “Travel & accommodation”, for a subtotal of $6,740.00 before tax. Swap in your own rates; the amounts recalculate automatically.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy workshop – leadership team | 1 | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 |
| Consulting hours – market analysis | 12 | $150.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Final report & presentation | 1 | $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Travel & accommodation (receipts attached) | 1 | $640.00 | $640.00 |
| Subtotal | $6,740.00 | ||
Suggested note for the client: Engagement ref: SOW-2026-014. PO #: ___. Payment due within 30 days by bank transfer.
What to include on a consulting invoice
- Statement of work or engagement reference
- Client PO number
- Deliverables and consulting hours
- Rate per hour or fixed fee per deliverable
- Reimbursable expenses at cost
- Payment terms and bank details
Consulting invoicing tips
- Ask for the client's PO number before you start – corporate invoices without one are often rejected.
- Bill expenses at cost with receipts; mark-ups on expenses can damage trust.
- Summarize what was achieved in the notes field to remind the client of the value.
- Use Net 30 for corporates but ask for a deposit on the first engagement.
How to use this template
- Replace the sample line items with the work you actually did. The example items show typical consulting charges and rates – adjust them to your prices.
- Add your business and client details, set the invoice number and due date, and add tax if you are registered to collect it.
- Download the PDF and email it to your client. Your edits are saved in this browser, so next month you only need to change the dates and items.
Need to quote the job first? Use the quote generator. Getting paid late? Work out interest with the late fee calculator, or browse all 50 invoice templates.
Frequently asked questions
Should consultants bill hourly or by project?
Value-based or fixed-fee pricing is increasingly common for defined deliverables, while hourly billing suits open-ended advisory work.
How should I bill travel expenses?
List them as a separate line at actual cost, attach receipts, and follow any travel policy the client provided.
Is this consulting invoice template free?
Yes. Edit every field, download as many PDFs as you like and print them. There is no sign-up, no watermark and nothing is uploaded to our servers.
How do I save the invoice as a PDF?
Click "Download PDF / Print" and choose "Save as PDF" as the destination in the print dialog. It works on desktop and mobile browsers.