1. What every mobile app developer invoice must include

A compliant mobile app developer 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 mobile app developers structure invoices around these 4 categories:

Sprint / milestone — billed by flat.
Hourly — billed by hour at a ~$165 default.
App Store submission — billed by flat.
Maintenance retainer — billed by flat.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for mobile app developers is Net 30 — payment due within 30 days of the invoice date. Most mobile app developers also require a 33% deposit upfront before starting work. 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. App Store and Play Store policies must be honored.

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 mobile app developer-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice

$8,500

Standard terms

Net 30

Typical deposit

33%

BLS code

15-1252

State-by-state mobile app developer 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 Mobile App Developer: Step-by-Step Guide