Create a professional invoice for the United States in USD. Below you’ll find what an invoice in the United States should include, local rules and record-keeping requirements — plus a free generator already set up for the United States.
Required information on an invoice in the United States
Make sure every invoice you issue in the United States includes:
Your business name, address and contact details
Customer name and billing address
Unique invoice number
Invoice date and payment due date (e.g. Net 30)
Description, quantity and price of each product or service
Sales tax as a separate line, if the sale is taxable in the buyer’s state
Total amount due and accepted payment methods
Your EIN or state sales tax permit number where required (optional otherwise)
Rules and tips for the United States
There is no federal VAT. Sales tax is set by states and local governments (five states have no statewide sales tax), and many services are not taxable — check the rules of the state where the buyer receives the goods or service.
Since the 2018 Wayfair decision, remote sellers can owe sales tax in states where they exceed an economic nexus threshold (commonly $100,000 in sales).
Business clients usually ask freelancers for a Form W-9 so they can issue a Form 1099-NEC when payments exceed the IRS reporting threshold — have it ready with your first invoice.
The IRS generally asks you to keep records for 3 years, but up to 6–7 years in some situations (e.g. underreported income or bad-debt deductions).
Sample invoice for the United States
This is what a typical invoice looks like with USD amounts. Create your own in the generator — your data never leaves your browser.
Sample
YC
Your Company
123 Business Street
United States
Invoice
Invoice no.
2026-0042
Date
10/01/2026
Due date
10/15/2026
Bill to
Client Company
45 Client Avenue, United States
Description
Qty
Unit price
Amount
Consulting services (hours)
10
$85.00
$850.00
Website design
1
$1,200.00
$1,200.00
Subtotal$2,050.00
Total$2,050.00
Payment within 14 days by bank transfer. Thank you for your business!
Open the BillKit invoice generator using the button above — it is already set to USD.
Add your business details: name, address and any business registration number.
Enter your client’s name and address.
Give the invoice a unique sequential number, an issue date and a due date.
List each product or service with quantity and unit price.
Check the totals, add payment details, then download the PDF and send it to your client.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sales tax rate in the United States?
There is no federal VAT in the United States. Sales tax is set by individual states and local governments, so the rate depends on where the buyer is located and what is sold.
Which currency should I use on an invoice in the United States?
Invoices in the United States are normally issued in US Dollar (USD). You can usually invoice in a foreign currency, but many tax authorities require the tax amount to also be stated in the local currency.
How long do I need to keep invoices in the United States?
Keep copies of all issued and received invoices for at least 3 years.
What must an invoice in the United States include?
Key elements include: Your business name, address and contact details; Customer name and billing address; Unique invoice number; Invoice date and payment due date (e.g. Net 30); Description, quantity and price of each product or service.
⚠️ General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and may depend on your situation — confirm with a local tax adviser or the tax authority. Last reviewed October 2026.
