Contractor Invoice Template
Contractors get paid faster when labor and materials are billed on separate lines and the license or CIS reference is right on the invoice. This template splits labor hours from materials at cost, leaves room for a deposit already paid, and shows tax clearly so a client or main contractor can approve it without a callback.
Last reviewed 2026-07-08
Template preview
- From:
- BuildRight Contracting · License #CN-44821 · billing@buildright.co
- Bill to:
- Client Name · Site: 14 Oak Ave · ap@client.com
- Invoice #:
- INV-0112
- Issue date:
- 2026-07-08
- Due date:
- 2026-07-22 (Net 14)
| Description | Qty / hrs | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor — framing crew | 32 | $65.00 | $2,080.00 |
| Labor — electrical rough-in | 12 | $85.00 | $1,020.00 |
| Materials — lumber & fixings (at cost) | 1 | $1,540.00 | $1,540.00 |
| Equipment rental — scaffolding | 3 | $120.00 | $360.00 |
| Subtotal | $5,000.00 | ||
| Tax (varies by state) | $400.00 | ||
| Deposit paid | −$1,500.00 | ||
| Balance due | $3,900.00 | ||
How to fill in each field
License / CIS number
Show your contractor license number (or CIS reference in UK construction) in the header.
Common mistake: Omitting it — many clients and main contractors won't process a construction invoice without it.
Labor vs materials
Bill labor (hours × rate) and materials (at cost) on separate lines.
Common mistake: Lumping labor and materials together, which clients dispute and tax authorities may treat differently.
Equipment & rentals
List equipment rental or plant hire as its own line with the period covered.
Common mistake: Hiding rental inside labor, so the client can't verify the charge.
Retention / deposit
Subtract any deposit or progress payment already made before the balance due.
Common mistake: Forgetting a prior progress payment and over-billing the client.
Related templates & variants
This is the contractor variant of our main invoice. Freelancers billing pure hours should use the freelance version; photographers see the photography version; general use starts at the invoice pillar page.
Download a professional invoice template in Word, Excel, CSV or Google Docs. Includes a field-by-field guide, tax-line examples and common billing mistakes to avoid.
A freelance invoice template for hourly and fixed-project work. Track billable hours, rates and deposits. Download in Word or Excel with a field-by-field guide.
A photography invoice template for session fees, editing hours, prints and image licensing. Download in Word or Excel with a field-by-field guide for photographers.
A free Excel invoice template with auto-calculating totals and tax. Download the .xlsx, or copy the table. Includes formulas and a field-by-field guide.
Recommended tools
Prefer software to a file?
Contracts, invoices and payments in one tool — handy for independent contractors.
Try Bonsai →Track labor hours and materials, then turn them into an invoice automatically.
Try FreshBooks →Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Full disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
What needs to be on a contractor invoice?+
Your business name and license/CIS number, the client and site address, a unique invoice number, dates and terms, separate lines for labor and materials, any tax, prior deposits, and the balance due with payment details.
How do I prepare an invoice as a contractor?+
List labor by task (hours × rate), add materials at cost on their own lines, include equipment rental, show tax separately, subtract any deposit, and state short payment terms (Net 14 is common in trades).
What is a CIS invoice?+
In the UK construction industry, a CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) invoice shows the labor amount, any CIS deduction withheld by the contractor, and materials separately. Keep materials out of the CIS deduction calculation.
Sources & further reading
- How to invoice as a contractor (Square)— squareup.com
- Free contractor invoice template (Xero)— xero.com
- Invoice requirements (business.gov.nl)— business.gov.nl
We review authoritative guidance when building each template. Links are for reference only.