A timesheet invoice bills the hours you actually worked at an agreed rate. It's the freelancer's bread and butter for ongoing client work, and it only works if your time tracking is honest and your lines are clear enough that the client can see at a glance what they're paying for.
What to include
Every valid timesheet invoice should carry: 1. the date and hours per entry; 2. a task or project reference; 3. the hourly rate; 4. the total hours; and 5. your details. Leave any out and the document gets harder to enforce — and where tax is involved, it can become invalid for sales-tax purposes.
How the tax/calculation works
A timesheet invoice bills tracked hours at an agreed rate. Attach or reference the timesheet, list the dates and tasks, and state the hourly rate clearly. The rate applied here is 0%. When you bill business customers in another country, check before you finalise the total whether the reverse-charge or zero-rating rule applies.
Example line items
Invoice
timesheet invoice
- Invoice no.
- INV-2026-014
- Date
- 2026-07-15
From
Your Company
123 Business Rd, Your City
To
Client Name
Client Company, Client City
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development – 32h @ $85 | 32 | $85.00 | $2,720.00 |
| Meetings – 4h @ $85 | 4 | $85.00 | $340.00 |
- Subtotal
- $3,060.00
- Total
- $3,060.00
Notes
Billed per approved timesheet for the period shown. Rates as agreed in the contract.
Example preview — not a real invoice
A typical timesheet invoice breaks the month into lines like: Development – 32h @ $85 (32 x $85); Meetings – 4h @ $85 (4 x $85). Always show the quantity, unit price, and tax amount per line so the grand total is transparent and easy to verify.
Practical tips
Good timesheet habits: 1. Log time daily so the sheet is accurate. 2. Agree overtime and minimum billing units up front. 3. Attach the approved timesheet as proof. Consistent numbering, clear payment terms, and prompt delivery reduce late payments and build trust.
Timesheet invoicing lives or dies on the detail. Track diligently, bill transparently, and clients rarely argue the number. You can build one with the invoice generator if you'd rather skip the spreadsheet.