How to Invoice as a Virtual Assistant: Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step guide to invoicing as a virtual assistant: what to include, the 2 line items most virtual assistants use, Net 7 payment terms, 0% deposit norms, and licensing rules.

Avg invoice
$1,250
Net terms
7 days
Deposit
0%
Line items
2

1. What every virtual assistant invoice must include

A compliant virtual assistant 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 virtual assistants structure invoices around these 2 categories:

  • Hourly support — billed by hour at a ~$45 default.
  • Retainer (monthly hours) — billed by flat.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for virtual assistants is Net 7 — payment due within 7 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.

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 virtual assistant-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice
$1,250
Standard terms
Net 7
Typical deposit
0%
BLS code
43-9061

State-by-state virtual assistant 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.

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