Invoice templates by Alder

Free consulting invoice template

Make your consulting invoice easy to approve. Show the work completed, the billing period and the agreed fee, then create a PDF with your own business details.

Create your consulting invoice

Free PDF download. No account required. Start with a blank invoice and enter the details that apply to your work.

Three ways to bill consulting work

Illustrative examples in USD, before tax. Replace the descriptions, rates and terms with your own agreement.

Hourly consulting

Use this when your agreement bills for time worked. Name the activity and billing period, and attach a timesheet if your client requires one.

Hourly consulting invoice example
Description	Quantity	Rate	Amount
Strategy workshops, September	8 hours	$150	$1,200
Research and recommendations	12 hours	$150	$1,800

Total before tax: $3,000

20 hours × $150 = $3,000 before any applicable tax. Reference the statement of work or purchase order so the client can match the bill to the engagement.

Use this example

Starts a new draft with these sample line items. Keeps your saved business details and logo, but replaces the current draft. Review dates, rates and terms before sending.

Monthly retainer

State exactly which period the retainer covers and what the fee includes. Keep any approved work outside the retainer on a separate line.

Monthly retainer invoice example
Description	Quantity	Rate	Amount
October advisory retainer, up to 10 hours	1 month	$2,000	$2,000
Approved additional September support	3 hours	$175	$525

Total before tax: $2,525

The retainer and additional work total $2,525 before tax. Specify whether unused hours expire or roll over according to your contract; do not imply a policy you have not agreed.

Use this example

Starts a new draft with these sample line items. Keeps your saved business details and logo, but replaces the current draft. Review dates, rates and terms before sending.

Milestone billing

Bill the agreed portion of a project when its milestone is reached. Include the deliverable and approval reference, rather than a vague description such as “consulting services.”

Milestone billing invoice example
Description	Quantity	Rate	Amount
Milestone 2: delivery of operating plan	1 milestone	$3,000	$3,000

Total before tax: $3,000

For a $10,000 engagement billed 30% / 30% / 40%, this invoice covers only the second $3,000 milestone. Show earlier invoices and the remaining $4,000 in the notes as context, not as new charges.

Use this example

Starts a new draft with these sample line items. Keeps your saved business details and logo, but replaces the current draft. Review dates, rates and terms before sending.

What to include

Your business name, contact details and the client’s legal billing name.
A unique invoice number, issue date, service period and due date.
The agreed hourly rate, retainer scope or milestone description.
A purchase order, project code or named approver if the client requires one.
Applicable tax and clear payment instructions that match your agreement.

Make payment terms clear

Use the payment deadline agreed in your contract. For example: “Payment due within 15 days of the invoice date. Please include the invoice number with your transfer.” Confirm whether the client needs a timesheet, milestone approval or purchase order before sending.

Common questions

Should I bill a retainer in advance?

Follow your agreement. If the retainer is billed in advance, identify the future service period explicitly. If it is billed after the work, use the completed period. Separately describe any approved extra work.

How do I invoice part of a consulting project?

Name the milestone and charge the agreed amount for that milestone. Reference the project’s total value and related invoices in your notes so the client can distinguish this bill from previous charges.

Can I download a consulting invoice as a PDF?

Yes. Open the free invoice builder, enter your details and line items, and select Download PDF. Choose Save as PDF in your browser’s print dialog. No account is required.

Put your invoice together

Add your details, review the totals and save a PDF to send to your customer.

Open the free invoice builder

Related: Contractor invoice template