What to Include on a Tax Invoice: Checklist and Sample

By the Billfy team · Updated 31 October 2026 · 6 min read

A tax invoice is more than a bill. It shows the tax you charged, and it is the document your customer may need to claim that tax back. If something is missing, a customer or an auditor can send it back. This checklist covers what to include, with a sample and notes for the UAE, India and Pakistan.

What is a tax invoice?

A tax invoice is an invoice that also shows the tax you charged, such as GST, VAT or sales tax. It is the document your customer may need to claim tax back, and the document you keep as proof of your sale. A simple invoice only shows what is owed. A tax invoice shows what is owed and how much of it is tax.

If you are not registered for tax, you generally do not charge it, and a normal invoice is usually enough. If you are registered, your invoices usually need to follow the tax authority rules.

The tax invoice checklist

Requirements differ by country, but a complete tax invoice usually includes the items below.

1. The words "Tax Invoice" at the top, so it is clear what the document is.
2. A unique invoice number that follows a sequence, for example INV-0042.
3. The invoice date and, if different, the date of supply.
4. Your business name and address.
5. Your tax registration number, such as an NTN or STRN, a GSTIN or a TRN.
6. Your customer's name and address, and their tax number if they have one.
7. A clear description of each product or service.
8. Quantity and unit price for each line.
9. The tax rate and the tax amount, shown separately from the price.
10. The total including tax, and the currency.
11. Payment terms and the due date.
12. Your bank details or other ways to pay.
13. A WHT line, if your client deducts withholding tax, followed by the net payable amount.

A sample tax invoice

Here is how the main parts fit together. The names and numbers are only an example.

You can build this exact layout in the Billfy invoice generator. It switches the title to TAX INVOICE as soon as a tax rate is added.

Notes for the UAE, India and Pakistan

UAE. A VAT invoice usually shows the words Tax Invoice, your Tax Registration Number, the VAT rate and the VAT amount in AED. If you invoice in another currency, the VAT amount may also need to be shown in AED. See the UAE VAT invoice generator.

India. A GST invoice usually shows your GSTIN, the HSN or SAC code, the taxable value and the GST amount, split into CGST and SGST or shown as IGST. See the India GST invoice generator.

Pakistan. A sales tax invoice usually shows your NTN and Sales Tax Registration Number, the buyer's details and the tax charged. See the Pakistan GST invoice generator.

These are common points, not a full list of the rules. Check the current requirements with your tax authority.

Common invoice mistakes to avoid

• Gaps or repeats in invoice numbers. Keep one running sequence.
• Totals that do not add up. Check the subtotal, tax and total before you send.
• No due date. Clients pay faster when the date is clear.
• Missing tax number. A tax invoice without your registration number may be rejected by the customer.
• Vague descriptions. "Services" is not enough. Say what was done.
• Forgetting WHT. If your client deducts it, show it so the net amount is clear. See what WHT is.

How to create a tax invoice in Billfy

1. Open the invoice generator.
2. Open the country, currency and tax section and choose your country. Billfy fills in the usual tax name, rate and currency, which you can edit.
3. Enter your business details and your tax registration number, your client's details and each item with its quantity and rate.
4. If your client deducts withholding tax, enter the WHT rate and choose what it applies to. Check the total and the net payable amount.
5. Press Download PDF and choose Save as PDF in the print window, or press Save to tracker to keep the invoice in your browser.

The title changes to TAX INVOICE as soon as a tax rate above zero is added.

Keeping your invoices in order

Keep a copy of every invoice you send. Many tax authorities expect you to keep records for several years, and the period differs by country, so check yours. A simple way is to save each invoice and mark it paid when the money arrives. The Billfy invoice tracker keeps your invoices, clients and unpaid amounts in your browser, with no signup.

Frequently asked questions

Is a simple invoice enough?

If you are not registered for tax and do not charge it, a simple invoice with the basic details is usually enough. If you are registered and charge tax, your invoice normally needs to show the tax and your registration number.

What is the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice?

An invoice asks for payment. A tax invoice also shows the tax you charged, including the rate and the amount, and usually your tax registration number.

Can I issue an invoice in a foreign currency?

Yes. Choose the currency on the invoice. Some tax authorities also ask you to show the tax amount in the local currency, so check the rules where you are registered.

Do invoice numbers have to be in order?

Most businesses use one running sequence, and many tax authorities expect it. Avoid skipping numbers, and keep a record if an invoice is cancelled.

Do I have to show WHT on my invoice?

Only if your client deducts it. When they do, showing a WHT line and the net payable amount makes the payment easier to match.

Tax rules, rates and deadlines differ by country and change over time, and they depend on your situation. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice, so confirm the details with your accountant or tax authority.

Keep reading

• GST vs VAT: what is the difference?
• What is WHT on an invoice?
• Free invoice tracker