{"id":12512,"date":"2025-02-17T08:34:38","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T13:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=12512"},"modified":"2025-08-05T08:56:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T12:56:13","slug":"what-is-an-invoice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-an-invoice\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an invoice? Definition and examples"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is an invoice? Definition and examples\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-02-17T08:34:38-05:00\">February 17, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What is an invoice? Definition and examples\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-an-invoice\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/yassirmalik\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Yassir-Malik.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"yassir-malik-profile-picture\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Yassir Malik<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice is defined as a formal document issued by a seller to a buyer, requesting payment for goods or services provided.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It details a transaction, including an itemized list, total amount due and any special terms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This type of record is useful for both parties, helping with financial tracking, accounting, and legal documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The term \u201cinvoice\u201d is commonly used interchangeably with \u201creceipt\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the general invoice definition includes any record of transaction, the term is usually used in reference to a document with more complexity than a simple receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-explore\">Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll explore<\/h3>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-here-s-what-we-ll-explore\" data-level=\"3\">Here&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;ll explore<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-purpose-of-an-invoice-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">What is the purpose of an invoice?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-does-an-invoice-look-like\" data-level=\"2\">What does an invoice look like?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-an-invoice-date-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">What is an invoice date?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-invoice-vs-bill-what-s-the-difference-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Invoice vs bill: What&rsquo;s the difference?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-does-an-invoice-differ-from-a-receipt\" data-level=\"2\">How does an invoice differ from a receipt?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-does-an-invoice-mean-you-ve-been-paid\" data-level=\"3\">Does an invoice mean you&rsquo;ve been paid?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-invoices-and-accounts-payable\" data-level=\"2\">Invoices and accounts payable<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-send-an-invoice-in-8-steps\" data-level=\"2\">How to send an invoice in 8 steps<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-10-best-practices-and-tips-for-invoicing\" data-level=\"2\">10 best practices and tips for invoicing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-invoicing-software\" data-level=\"2\">What is invoicing software?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-advantages-of-using-invoicing-software\" data-level=\"3\">What are the advantages of using invoicing software?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-set-up-automated-invoicing-for-any-business-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Set up automated invoicing for any business&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-about-invoicing-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs about invoicing&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small Business Survival Toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A practical guide with easy to use templates to help your new business start, survive and thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-f83d0c91-0a6f-44a6-bc16-55083b9084df\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get your Small Business Survival Toolkit<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t7,066 readers have downloaded this guide\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/01\/GettyImages-610436768_super-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"People sitting at desks in a large office\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/01\/GettyImages-610436768_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-purpose-of-an-invoice-nbsp\">What is the purpose of an invoice?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice serves several important purposes in business transactions, which may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Financial reporting:<\/strong> offers detailed data on sales and revenue, which is critical for preparing financial statements and analyzing business performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Request for payment:<\/strong> the primary purpose of an invoice is to request payment for goods or services provided. It informs the buyer of the amount due, the due date, and the method of payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Record keeping:<\/strong> provides a detailed record of the transaction for both the buyer and the seller. This helps in tracking sales, managing inventory, and monitoring cash flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal documentation:<\/strong> serves as a legal document that can be used to provide evidence and enforce payment in case of disputes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tax purposes:<\/strong> helps businesses document revenue and expenses, which is necessary for calculating taxes owed. They also serve as proof of transactions for tax audits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-an-invoice-look-like\">What does an invoice look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice usually includes a range of important details to ensure a smooth transaction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s take a closer look at exactly what is on an invoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Invoice number:<\/strong> a unique identifier to help with tracking and reference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Date:<\/strong> the date when the invoice is issued.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seller information:<\/strong> the name, address, and contact details of the seller.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buyer information:<\/strong> the name, address, and contact details of the buyer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>List of goods or services:<\/strong> detailed information about the items or services provided, including quantities and unit prices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total amount due:<\/strong> the sum of all charges, including any applicable taxes and discounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payment terms:<\/strong> details about when and how the payment should be made, including the due date and accepted payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tax information:<\/strong> any applicable taxes (sales tax) and their amounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invoice footer:<\/strong> additional notes, terms and conditions, or payment instructions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-invoice-date-nbsp\">What is an invoice date?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The invoice date indicates when the invoice was issued or created by the seller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is important as it marks the official record of the transaction in the accounting systems of both parties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having the invoice date listed may also be relevant for tax purposes, as it can determine the period in which sales tax is accounted for, and also helps to document a clear timeline of when the transaction occurred.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the invoice date plays a crucial role in financial and operational processes, impacting payment schedules, accounting records, and legal compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-invoice-vs-bill-what-s-the-difference-nbsp\">Invoice vs bill: What\u2019s the difference?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terms \u201cinvoice\u201d and \u201cbill\u201d are often used interchangeably but there are some key differences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>An invoice<\/strong> is a formal document used primarily in business to business (B2B) transactions, detailing important information about the goods or services provided, including payment terms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A bill<\/strong> is a more straightforward and informal request for payment. It\u2019s often used in more business to consumer (B2C) contexts such as utility bills, a bill at a restaurant or a phone bill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the differences between these two terms can help in better managing and processing financial transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-an-invoice-differ-from-a-receipt\">How does an invoice differ from a receipt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice requests payment for goods or services and is issued before payment is made.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A receipt, on the other hand, confirms that payment has been received and is issued after the transaction is completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-does-an-invoice-mean-you-ve-been-paid\">Does an invoice mean you\u2019ve been paid?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve been paid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice is a payment request issued by a seller to a buyer detailing the amount owed for goods or services provided.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Payment is typically made after the invoice is received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small Business Survival Toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A practical guide with easy to use templates to help your new business start, survive and thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-f83d0c91-0a6f-44a6-bc16-55083b9084df\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get your Small Business Survival Toolkit<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t7,066 readers have downloaded this guide\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/01\/GettyImages-610436768_super-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"People sitting at desks in a large office\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2019\/01\/GettyImages-610436768_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-invoices-and-accounts-payable\">Invoices and accounts payable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invoices document product sales for inventory, accounting, and tax purposes, aiding in managing accounts payable and related obligations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When companies ship products before payment, the amount owed is recorded as an account payable by the buyer and an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/accounts-receivable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">account receivable<\/a> by the seller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, invoices are normally sent electronically rather than on paper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an invoice goes missing, the buyer can request a duplicate from the seller.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The issuance of an invoice indicates that credit has been extended, as the seller has delivered a product or service without immediate payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-send-an-invoice-in-8-steps\">How to send an invoice in 8 steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow these steps to send an invoice effectively:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Follow up:<\/strong> if payment isn\u2019t received by the due date, follow up with a polite reminder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create the invoice:<\/strong> use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoicing software<\/a> or an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-simple\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoice template<\/a> to generate the invoice, including details such as your business name, contact information, invoice number, date, payment terms, and a detailed list of goods or services provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review for accuracy:<\/strong> double-check all the information for accuracy, ensuring the amounts, descriptions, and payment details are correct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose the delivery method:<\/strong> decide whether to send the invoice via email, mail, or through an invoicing platform.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attach or embed the invoice:<\/strong> if sending by email, attach the invoice as a PDF or include it within the email body to ensure it\u2019s easily accessible to the recipient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Include a clear subject line:<\/strong> if emailing, use a clear subject line such as \u201cInvoice #1234 \u2013 [Your Company Name]\u201d so the recipient knows exactly what the email is about.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add a friendly message:<\/strong> include a brief, polite message in the email, reminding the recipient of the payment terms and thanking them for their business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Send the invoice:<\/strong> once everything is in order, send the invoice to the recipient.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-best-practices-and-tips-for-invoicing\">10 best practices and tips for invoicing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To streamline the invoicing process and ensure timely payments, consider these best practices and tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Include contact information:<\/strong> provide a clear point of contact for any invoice-related questions or issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use clear and consistent formats:<\/strong> maintain a standardized format for all invoices to ensure clarity and professionalism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Include all essential details:<\/strong> make sure each invoice includes your business name, contact information, invoice number, date, payment terms, and a detailed breakdown of products or services provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set clear payment terms:<\/strong> specify payment due dates and accepted payment methods to avoid confusion and delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Send invoices promptly:<\/strong> issue invoices as soon as possible after delivering goods or services to speed up the payment process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follow up on outstanding invoices:<\/strong> implement a system for tracking overdue invoices and send polite reminders if payment is not received by the due date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Offer multiple payment options:<\/strong> provide various payment methods to make it easier for clients to pay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep records:<\/strong> maintain thorough records of all invoices sent and payments received for accurate financial tracking and reporting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automate where possible:<\/strong> utilize invoicing software to automate the invoicing process, reducing errors and saving time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure accuracy:<\/strong> double-check all invoice details to prevent errors that could delay payment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-invoicing-software\">What is invoicing software?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Invoicing software<\/a> is designed to automate and simplify the creation, management, and tracking of invoices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It helps businesses generate professional invoices, manage payment terms, send reminders, and track payments, often integrating with other financial systems to streamline accounting processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-advantages-of-using-invoicing-software\">What are the advantages of using invoicing software?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Automated reminders:<\/strong> sends automatic payment reminders to reduce late payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Efficiency:<\/strong> automates invoice creation, reducing manual entry and saving time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accuracy:<\/strong> minimizes errors with automated calculations and consistent formatting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Professionalism:<\/strong> provides customizable templates for a polished, professional appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tracking:<\/strong> offers real-time tracking of invoice status, payments, and overdue reminders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integration:<\/strong> Easily integrates with accounting systems and payment processors for seamless financial management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accessibility:<\/strong> enables access to invoices and payment information from anywhere via cloud-based solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Record keeping:<\/strong> maintains organized records of all transactions for better financial oversight and compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-set-up-automated-invoicing-for-any-business-nbsp\">Set up automated invoicing for any business&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invoices are essential for B2B transactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They support financial reporting and operations, provide a valuable record of a transaction, and help with client communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to managing invoices efficiently, Sage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoicing software<\/a> is a valuable tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It simplifies the invoicing process through effortless invoice creation, tracking, and management automation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With features that cater to various invoicing needs, such as recurring billing and interim invoicing, Sage Ai helps streamline operations and maintain accurate financial records.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking to optimize your current invoicing procedure or set up a new one, Sage can support your business by ensuring timely payments with automated invoice processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New to invoicing?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-simple\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoice templates<\/a> can get you moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs-about-invoicing-nbsp\">FAQs about invoicing&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an invoice number?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice number, also known as an invoice ID, is a unique code assigned to a specific invoice to distinguish it from other invoices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It helps track and reference the invoice throughout the payment process and in accounting records.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an e-invoice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An e-invoice is a digital version of a traditional invoice that\u2019s sent and received electronically. It streamlines billing by reducing paperwork and speeding up processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many digits is an invoice number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invoice numbers usually range from five to 15 digits, depending on the company\u2019s system, and must be unique to track transactions accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should an invoice be sent?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice should be sent promptly after the delivery of goods or completion of services to ensure timely payment and effective cash flow management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should be done if an invoice is not paid on time?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sender should follow up with a polite reminder, review the payment terms, and consider implementing a system for handling overdue invoices to ensure timely collections.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cta-content__title\">Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-8949a954-88b2-43bb-8b8a-77c53eb34350\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/business-finances\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness finances\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/business-strategy\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness strategy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/financial-insights\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfinancial insights\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/how-to-grow-your-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thow to grow your business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/making-financial-decisions\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaking financial decisions\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/midsized-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmidsized business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/paid\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tpaid\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/profit-and-loss\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tprofit and loss\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/small-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsmall business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/staying-competitive\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstaying competitive\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-12509 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-midsized-business tag-profit-and-loss tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/12\/GettyImages-1252669747-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Woman smiling at desk\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/12\/GettyImages-1252669747-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/12\/GettyImages-1252669747-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/12\/GettyImages-1252669747-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-30T06:56:49-04:00\">September 30, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-a-trial-balance\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhat is a trial balance in accounting? A complete guide\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tA trial balance is one of the simplest tools to confirm your books are accurate before you prepare formal financial statements. Here&#8217;s what it is, how to prepare one, and what to do if the totals don&#8217;t match.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-12478 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-accountants category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accounting-101 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-financial-insights tag-midsized-business tag-profit-and-loss tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/net-income-formula\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1011227656-708x708-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"woman working\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1011227656-708x708-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1011227656-708x708-1.jpg 708w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1011227656-708x708-1.jpg 708w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-30T06:44:33-04:00\">September 30, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tNet income formula: How to calculate net income\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-10066 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-business-intelligence tag-data-analysis tag-financial-insights tag-how-to-grow-your-business tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-markup-percentage\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/05\/GettyImages-1283894303-640x640-1-640x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"woman in office\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/05\/GettyImages-1283894303-640x640-1-640x384.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/05\/GettyImages-1283894303-640x640-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/05\/GettyImages-1283894303-640x640-1.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-30T06:29:56-04:00\">September 30, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tMarkup calculator: How to calculate markup percentage\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-11607 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-business-planning category-strategy-legal-operations tag-cloud-financial-management tag-erp tag-midsized-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/enterprise-resource-planning-explained\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-642835292_super-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-642835292_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-642835292_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-642835292_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-25T04:51:41-04:00\">September 25, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is ERP? Enterprise resource planning explained\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-8926 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-continuity tag-business-finances tag-cash-flow tag-small-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/why-you-should-be-doing-cash-flow-analysis\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-24T11:43:07-04:00\">September 24, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tCash flow analysis guide: Definition, steps, and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about invoices, what they look like, what to include, and how you can use them to manage your business finances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":9147,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"11","sage_membership_post_content_type":"article","sage_membership_post_featured_video_id":"","sage_membership_post_video_type":"trailer","sage_membership_post_featured_video_duration":"","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,11],"tags":[165,266,169,190,265,195,263,219,202,267,208],"business_type":[3,99],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,83],"imagine_tag":[35,49,54,67],"coauthors":[307],"class_list":["post-12512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-bookkeeping","tag-business-finances","tag-business-strategy","tag-financial-insights","tag-how-to-grow-your-business","tag-making-financial-decisions","tag-midsized-business","tag-paid","tag-profit-and-loss","tag-small-business","tag-staying-competitive","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Yassir 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