How Do I Create an Invoice in QuickBooks Online?

If you’re running a business, **accurate invoicing is the backbone of healthy cash flow**. QuickBooks Online (QBO) makes invoicing simple, professional, and automated—but only if you know how to use it correctly. Many users ask: **“How do I create an invoice in QuickBooks Online?”** This guide answers that question with **clear steps, real-world examples, expert insights, and best practices** to help you invoice confidently, get paid faster, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or accountant, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know. Our certified professionals can help at **1 866-593-4750** you set up invoices, fix errors, and streamline your billing process. --- ## What Is an Invoice in QuickBooks Online? An invoice in QuickBooks Online is a **billing document** you send to customers that includes: - Products or services provided - Due dates and payment terms - Taxes and discounts - Payment methods (online or offline) QuickBooks Online automatically tracks unpaid invoices, payments, and balances—saving you hours of manual work. --- ## How Do I Create an Invoice in QuickBooks Online? ### Step 1: Sign In to QuickBooks Online 1. Go to QuickBooks Online 2. Log in using your credentials 3. Open the correct company file --- ### Step 2: Navigate to the Invoice Section - Click **+ New** from the left-hand menu - Select **Invoice** under the “Customers” section This opens the invoice creation screen. --- ### Step 3: Choose or Add a Customer - Select an existing customer from the dropdown - Or click **+ Add new customer** to create one **Expert Tip:** Make sure customer email and billing details are accurate to avoid delivery issues. --- ### Step 4: Enter Invoice Details Fill in the following fields carefully: - **Invoice date** - **Due date** - **Invoice number** (auto-generated) - **Payment terms** (Net 15, Net 30, Due on Receipt) These details directly impact your payment timeline. --- ### Step 5: Add Products or Services Under the **Product/Service** column: - Choose existing items - Or click **Add new** to create products or services QuickBooks automatically calculates: - Subtotals - Sales tax - Discounts (if applied) --- ### Step 6: Review Taxes and Totals - Confirm tax rates are correct - Review subtotal and total amount due This step is critical for **financial accuracy and compliance**. --- ### Step 7: Customize and Send the Invoice You can: - Add a **personal message** - Attach files or documents - Customize the invoice template Click **Save and send** to email the invoice instantly. --- ## Creating an Invoice in QuickBooks Online **Scenario:** A graphic designer invoices a client $1,200 for logo design services. **Steps Taken:** - Customer selected: ABC Marketing - Service added: Logo Design – $1,200 - Payment terms: Net 30 - Invoice sent via email with online payment enabled **Result:** Client pays within 3 days using a credit card—payment automatically recorded in QuickBooks Online. --- ## Benefits of Creating Invoices in QuickBooks Online Creating invoices in QuickBooks Online offers powerful advantages: - **Faster payments** with online payment options - **Automatic tracking** of unpaid invoices - **Professional branding** with customizable templates - **Real-time financial reporting** - **Reduced manual errors** --- ## Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Invoices Avoid these frequent invoicing issues: - ❌ Forgetting to set due dates - ❌ Using incorrect tax rates - ❌ Not enabling online payments - ❌ Sending invoices without reviewing totals **Expert Insight:** Businesses that enable online payments in QuickBooks Online get paid up to **2x faster** than those that don’t. --- ## Tips to Get Paid Faster with QuickBooks Online Invoices Use these proven strategies: - Enable **credit card and ACH payments** - Set **automatic invoice reminders** - Use **clear payment terms** - Customize invoices with your logo - Send invoices immediately after work completion ## Conclusion Learning how to **create an invoice in QuickBooks Online** empowers you to manage billing professionally, improve cash flow, and maintain accurate financial records. By following the step-by-step process, using expert tips, and avoiding common mistakes, you can turn invoicing into a seamless part of your business workflow. ### 📞 Need expert help with QuickBooks Online? Call **866-593-4750** today and get professional support you can trust. ## FAQs ### 1. Can I create recurring invoices in QuickBooks Online? Yes. QuickBooks Online allows you to create **recurring invoices** for repeat customers with automatic scheduling. ### 2. Can I customize invoice templates? Absolutely. You can customize: - Logos - Colors - Fonts - Layouts From **Settings > Custom Form Styles**. ### 3. How do I know if a customer viewed my invoice? QuickBooks Online shows **invoice status** such as: - Sent - Viewed - Paid - Overdue ### 4. Can I convert an estimate into an invoice? Yes. Simply open the estimate and click **Convert to Invoice**—all details transfer automatically. ### 5. What if my invoice is not sending? Common reasons include: - Incorrect customer email - Email settings not configured - Temporary server issues If problems persist, professional assistance is recommended. ### 6. Is it possible to create invoices from the QuickBooks mobile app? Yes. You can create, send, and track invoices directly from the **QuickBooks Online mobile app**.