Free Invoice Template for Consultant
Consultants deliver expertise, and your invoice should reflect the same professionalism. Whether you're in management consulting, IT consulting, HR, or strategy, a clear invoice sets expectations and accelerates payment. Our free consulting invoice template supports both hourly and project-based billing, with fields for engagement descriptions, deliverables completed, and expenses. Consulting engagements often involve complex billing structures — retainers, milestone payments, hourly rates for different team members, and expense reimbursements. Your invoice should clearly separate professional fees from out-of-pocket expenses. Include a brief summary of deliverables or work completed during the billing period to justify the charges. For ongoing engagements, reference the statement of work (SOW) or engagement letter number. Adding payment terms and late fee policies upfront in your contract and reinforcing them on each invoice significantly reduces payment delays.
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Create Consultant Invoice →Common Line Items for Consultant Invoices
- ✓ Strategy consultation (hourly)
- ✓ Workshop facilitation (daily rate)
- ✓ Research & analysis
- ✓ Report writing
- ✓ Travel expenses
- ✓ Monthly retainer
Invoicing Tips for Consultant
- 💡 Reference the SOW or engagement letter
- 💡 Separate fees from expense reimbursements
- 💡 Include deliverables summary
- 💡 Specify billing period clearly
Frequently Asked Questions
How do consultants structure their invoices?
Consultants typically bill hourly, daily, or per project. Structure your invoice with a clear description of services rendered, hours/days worked, rate, expenses, and total. Reference the engagement agreement for context.
Should consultants invoice for travel expenses?
Yes, if your contract allows it. List travel expenses separately with receipts. Common reimbursable items include flights, hotels, meals, and ground transportation. Many consultants mark up expenses 10% for administrative overhead.
What's the typical payment term for consulting?
Net 30 is standard for consulting. Large firms may push for Net 45-60. For smaller engagements, Net 15 or payment upon receipt is reasonable. Include a 1.5% monthly late fee for overdue invoices.