A clear invoice gets paid faster. Most payment delays start with something missing: the wrong company name, no PO number, or no payment terms.
What every invoice needs
- An invoice number (sequential) and the date.
- Your details: name or business name, address and email.
- Who you're billing: the brand's or agency's legal company name, address and any PO number.
- What you delivered: e.g. "1 TikTok video + 2 hooks, posted 12 March".
- Usage rights summary: e.g. "Paid usage 90 days from posting; whitelisting 2 months".
- The amount and currency, and any deposit already paid.
- Payment terms and the due date (e.g. Net 30, due 11 April).
- How to pay you: bank details or payment link.
Country specifics
- UK: if you're VAT-registered, show your VAT number and the VAT. For business clients, you can note that statutory late-payment interest applies.
- US: brands usually ask for a W-9 before paying. From 2026 they'll send a 1099-NEC if they pay you $2,000 or more in the year.
- Canada: if you're registered for GST/HST, show your number and the tax.
- Australia: quote your ABN. If you don't, a business paying you over $75 (excluding GST) may have to withhold 47% for the ATO.
FAQs
What should a creator include on an invoice?
Invoice number and date, your details, the client's legal name and PO number, deliverables, usage rights, amount, payment terms and due date, and how to pay you.
Do I need an ABN to invoice a brand in Australia?
Quote one: without it, the business may have to withhold 47% of a payment over $75 (excluding GST).
Plan it in minutes
Logs every invoice with its due date and tells you when to chase. Editions for the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
See the Creator Business Tracker →
