1. What every bookkeeper invoice must include

A compliant bookkeeper invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most bookkeepers structure invoices around these 3 categories:

Monthly bookkeeping — billed by month at a ~$350 default.
Catch-up work — billed by hour at a ~$65 default.
Year-end / 1099 prep — billed by flat.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for bookkeepers is Net 15 — payment due within 15 days of the invoice date.0 Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

No license required. Some clients may request CPB (AIPB) or QB ProAdvisor credentials.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average bookkeeper-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice

$685

Standard terms

Net 15

Typical deposit

BLS code

43-3031

State-by-state bookkeeper invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

How to Invoice as a Bookkeeper: Step-by-Step Guide