Example contractor invoice
Here is what a typical contractor invoice built with this template looks like. It bills 4 line items, from “General contracting services – project management” to “Permit fees”, for a subtotal of $5,015.00 before tax. Swap in your own rates; the amounts recalculate automatically.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting services – project management | 20 | $75.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Carpentry labor | 32 | $60.00 | $1,920.00 |
| Materials (see attached receipts) | 1 | $1,320.00 | $1,320.00 |
| Permit fees (pass-through) | 1 | $275.00 | $275.00 |
| Subtotal | $5,015.00 | ||
Suggested note for the client: Thank you for choosing us. Payment due within 14 days. Make checks payable to the business name above or pay by bank transfer.
What to include on a contractor invoice
- Your business name, contractor license number and contact details
- Client name and the job site address
- Description of work completed and the dates it was performed
- Hours worked and your hourly rate, or the agreed fixed price
- Materials and permit fees passed through to the client
- Payment terms and accepted payment methods
Contractor invoicing tips
- Ask for a deposit (often 10–30%) before ordering materials so you are not funding the client's project.
- Bill pass-through costs like permits at exact cost and label them clearly – clients appreciate the transparency.
- If you are an independent contractor working for another business, include your EIN or SSN only on the W-9, never on the invoice itself.
- Send a final invoice within 24 hours of completion while the client is happiest with the result.
How to use this template
- Replace the sample line items with the work you actually did. The example items show typical contractor 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
What is the difference between a contractor invoice and a construction invoice?
They overlap. A contractor invoice is usually simpler and covers a single job or service period; a construction invoice on larger projects often adds progress billing, retainage and change-order tracking.
Can independent contractors charge sales tax?
It depends on your state and the type of work. Some states tax construction labor, others only tax materials. Check with your state revenue department and add the rate in the tax field if it applies.
Is this contractor 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.