Invoice Glossary - Essential Terms & Definitions
Comprehensive glossary of invoice, billing, and payment terms. Learn key invoicing terminology to better understand your business finances and get paid faster.
Invoice
BasicsA commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer that itemizes and records a transaction between the two parties.
Invoice Number
Invoice ComponentsA unique identifier assigned to each invoice for tracking and reference purposes.
Net 30
Payment TermsPayment is due in full 30 days after the invoice date.
Net 60
Payment TermsPayment is due in full 60 days after the invoice date.
Due on Receipt
Payment TermsPayment is expected immediately upon receiving the invoice.
Pro Forma Invoice
Invoice TypesA preliminary bill of sale sent before goods or services are delivered.
Credit Note
Invoice TypesA document issued by a seller to reduce or cancel the amount owed by a buyer.
Debit Note
Invoice TypesA document issued by a buyer to request a credit or by a seller to increase the amount owed.
Recurring Invoice
Invoice TypesAn invoice that is automatically generated and sent on a regular schedule.
Commercial Invoice
Invoice TypesA customs document used in international trade that describes the transaction details.
Purchase Order (PO)
BasicsA commercial document issued by a buyer to a seller indicating types, quantities, and agreed prices.
Accounts Receivable (AR)
AccountingMoney owed to a business by its customers for goods or services delivered but not yet paid.
Accounts Payable (AP)
AccountingMoney a business owes to its suppliers or vendors for goods or services received.
Quote / Estimate
BasicsA document providing a customer with expected costs before work begins.
Receipt
BasicsA document confirming that payment has been received.
Overdue Invoice
StatusAn invoice that has not been paid by its due date.
Line Item
Invoice ComponentsAn individual entry on an invoice listing a specific product or service.
Subtotal
Invoice ComponentsThe sum of all line items before taxes, discounts, or other adjustments are applied.
Discount
Invoice ComponentsA reduction in the price charged for goods or services.
Total Amount Due
Invoice ComponentsThe final sum that must be paid, including all charges, taxes, and adjustments.
Late Fee
Payment TermsAn additional charge imposed when payment is not received by the due date.
Retainer
Payment TermsAn upfront fee paid to secure ongoing services, often for a set period or scope of work.
Deposit
Payment TermsA partial upfront payment made before goods or services are delivered.
Statement
BasicsA summary document showing all transactions between a business and customer over a period.
Remittance
BasicsPayment sent by a buyer to a seller, typically with advice detailing which invoices are being paid.
Invoice Date
Invoice ComponentsThe date when the invoice is issued.
Due Date
Invoice ComponentsThe date by which payment must be received.
Tax
Invoice ComponentsGovernment-imposed charges added to the cost of goods or services.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
AccountingA consumption tax assessed on the value added at each stage of production or distribution.
Payment
BasicsThe transfer of money from buyer to seller in settlement of an invoice.
Payment Terms
Payment TermsThe conditions under which a seller expects payment from a buyer.