Tax & Compliance 7 min read November 15, 2025
Tax Invoice Requirements: What You Need to Include
Tax invoice rules vary by country and tax system (VAT/GST/sales tax). This guide is a practical checklist of common requirements so you can create invoices that look complete and professional.
Note: This is not legal or tax advice. Always confirm requirements for your jurisdiction and consult a qualified professional if needed.
Core invoice fields
- Invoice number: unique identifier for tracking and audit trails.
- Invoice date: when the invoice was issued.
- Seller details: business name, address, and contact information.
- Buyer details: client name/company and address (as applicable).
- Description of goods/services: itemized list with quantities and prices.
- Totals: subtotal, tax, discounts, and total amount due.
- Currency: especially important for international clients.
Tax-specific details (commonly needed)
- Tax registration number: VAT/GST ID (if you’re registered and it’s required).
- Tax rate: the percentage applied (e.g., 5%, 20%).
- Tax amount: the tax charged in currency.
- Tax breakdown: sometimes required if multiple rates apply.
Helpful extras
- Payment terms: Net 15/30, due date, accepted methods.
- Purchase order (PO) number: common for corporate clients.
- Notes: services rendered dates, project name, or reference.
Compliance checklist
- Invoice number is unique and readable
- Invoice date is present
- Seller and buyer info is complete
- Line items are itemized (not lump-sum without detail)
- Tax rate/amount is shown if applicable
- Total due is clearly stated
Make a tax-ready invoice
Use a professional template and ensure the essential fields are included before exporting your PDF.