Best Practices for US Independent Contractor Invoicing
Protect your freelance business cash flow and ensure smooth end-of-year tax filing with these essential invoicing elements:
1. EIN vs. SSN Privacy
We recommend obtaining a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for your sole proprietorship or LLC, avoiding the need to put your personal Social Security Number on invoices.
2. Specific Payment Terms & Due Dates
Never write "Due Upon Receipt" without a calendar date. State explicit terms such as "Net 15" or "Net 30" and state the exact calendar deadline to minimize payment delays.
3. Instant Payment QR Codes
Clients pay faster when friction is minimized. Embed a payment QR code linking directly to your PayPal, Stripe, or payment portal right in the footer of your PDF.