{"id":17849,"date":"2026-04-10T12:10:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:10:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/?p=17849"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:10:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:10:51","slug":"what-is-a-pro-forma-invoice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/what-is-a-pro-forma-invoice\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a pro forma invoice?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\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-ie\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/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 a pro forma invoice?\u00a0\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\tWhat is a pro forma invoice? Simply put, it outlines the anticipated transaction details based on a buyer\u2019s order, without requesting payment. \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=\"2026-04-10T12:10:49+01:00\">10 April, 2026<\/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 a pro forma invoice?\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/what-is-a-pro-forma-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-ie\/blog\/author\/laurencematone\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/04\/Profile_LM-350x350.jpeg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Laurence Matone\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Laurence Matone<\/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<p>Like all invoices, a pro forma invoice outlines a sale between a buyer and a seller\u2014but&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;more to it than meets the eye. Although it resembles a regular invoice, a pro forma invoice serves a distinct purpose and&nbsp;can\u2019t&nbsp;be used interchangeably with standard invoices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the key distinctions is important for managing your accounts payable and avoiding costly mistakes. This article covers everything you need to know.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s&nbsp;what&nbsp;we\u2019ll&nbsp;cover:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\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-pro-forma-invoice-meaning\" data-level=\"2\">Pro forma invoice meaning<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-pro-forma-invoice-used-for\" data-level=\"2\">What is a pro forma invoice used for?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-s-in-a-pro-forma-invoice\" data-level=\"2\">What&rsquo;s&nbsp;in a pro forma invoice?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pro-forma-invoice-example\" data-level=\"2\">Pro forma invoice example<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-sample-pro-forma-invoice-template\" data-level=\"2\">Sample pro forma invoice template<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-pro-forma-invoice\" data-level=\"2\">What are the benefits of using a pro forma invoice?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-disadvantages-of-a-pro-forma-invoice\" data-level=\"2\">Disadvantages of a pro forma invoice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pro-forma-invoice-versus-invoice\" data-level=\"2\">Pro forma invoice versus invoice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pro-forma-invoice-versus-commercial-invoice\" data-level=\"2\">Pro forma invoice versus commercial invoice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pro-forma-invoice-versus-purchase-order\" data-level=\"2\">Pro forma invoice versus purchase order<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cloud-based-invoicing-software-simplifies-managing-pro-forma-invoices\" data-level=\"2\">Cloud-based invoicing software simplifies managing pro forma invoices<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pro-forma-invoice-meaning\"><strong>Pro forma invoice meaning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A pro forma invoice is an estimated invoice sent to the buyer before goods or services are delivered, outlining costs and terms, and sometimes used to request advance payment. It lists what&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;selling, the total amount, and key details about the transaction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at&nbsp;invoice definitions, a regular invoice is a document showing&nbsp;what\u2019s&nbsp;owed for goods or services you have delivered. The pro forma version is&nbsp;essentially a&nbsp;\u201cgood faith\u201d promise between you and the buyer, so they know what to expect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you need payment upfront to lock in financing before you can make the goods or deliver the service, a pro forma invoice lays out all these details before any work is done.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;not an actual request for payment. It confirms some details whilst letting the buyer know of any other parts that still need to be&nbsp;finalised. In that sense, a pro forma invoice is closer to a quote or estimate than an invoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-a-pro-forma-invoice-legally-binding\"><strong>Is a pro forma invoice legally binding?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it includes many of the same details as a final sales invoice, a pro forma invoice is not legally enforceable in Ireland. You\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0use it for statutory accounting, VAT reporting, or as a binding contract.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your customer&nbsp;doesn\u2019t&nbsp;have to pay&nbsp;what\u2019s&nbsp;listed, and it&nbsp;won\u2019t&nbsp;show up in their accounts payable or your accounts receivable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-a-pro-forma-invoice-be-cancelled\"><strong>Can a pro forma invoice be cancelled?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A pro forma invoice is just a preview of a potential transaction based on what your buyer has ordered, so cancellation&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-pro-forma-invoice-used-for\"><strong>What is a pro forma invoice used for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro forma invoices help both buyers and sellers understand the terms of the agreement, including pricing, items, and delivery details.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;not a demand for&nbsp;payment, but&nbsp;can form the basis for agreeing on prices and terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-do-businesses-use-pro-forma-invoices\"><strong>Why do businesses use pro forma invoices?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Issuing a pro forma invoice means&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;giving your buyer a heads-up about what to expect in terms of cost, delivery, and other details, like commission. It keeps things clear and can help prevent surprises or disagreements down the&nbsp;line, once&nbsp;the goods or services are delivered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro forma invoices are often used by Irish businesses for custom orders or when goods need to clear international customs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro forma invoices are good for custom orders, as they make your buyer aware of how much their requested item will cost upfront before production starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-should-a-business-send-a-pro-forma-invoice\"><strong>When should a business send a pro forma invoice?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A pro forma invoice is usually sent when an order is placed, well before shipping.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;a way to confirm the details and pricing upfront and avoid having to go back and forth later.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;especially useful if&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;dealing with international shipments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-nbsp-in-a-pro-forma-invoice\"><strong>What\u2019s&nbsp;in a pro forma invoice?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A pro forma invoice is packed with information. Here are the details of what makes up this preliminary document:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Detailed descriptions of the goods:<\/strong>\u00a0including the country of origin and the correct product classification (such as the\u00a0Harmonised\u00a0System (HS) code).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Price of the products:&nbsp;<\/strong>the cost of your goods and\/or services&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Delivery terms:&nbsp;<\/strong>where\u2019s&nbsp;the package coming from, and&nbsp;where\u2019s&nbsp;it going? When can the customer expect delivery?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Validity or&nbsp;expiration&nbsp;date:&nbsp;<\/strong>how long is the stated price good for?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The term \u201cpro forma invoice\u201d:<\/strong>&nbsp;let the buyer know&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;just a preview, not the final bill.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our entire range of\u00a0free invoice templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pro-forma-invoice-example\"><strong>Pro forma invoice example<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As an example of a pro forma invoice in action, imagine you work for a veterinary group and get an order for 1,000 pet care packages. Instead of jumping straight into packing, you send a pro forma invoice with the price, delivery date, payment terms, and any discounts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allows the buyer to review the details and negotiate if needed. Once&nbsp;everyone\u2019s&nbsp;on the same page, you&nbsp;finalise&nbsp;the pro forma, start packing, and then send the actual invoice.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;a smoother way to manage orders and avoid last-minute mix-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sample-pro-forma-invoice-template\"><strong>Sample pro forma invoice template<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-sample-pro-forma-invoice-template\">&nbsp;Of course, the format of a pro forma invoice can vary depending on the nature of your business and products or services. But&nbsp;we\u2019ve&nbsp;outlined a basic template below for illustrative purposes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seller information:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Company Name: _________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: _______________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phone: ________________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email: ________________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Buyer information:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Company Name: ________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: _______________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phone: _________________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email: _________________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Invoice number: _________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Invoice date: ____________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Payment due date: _______________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Itemised&nbsp;list of goods\/services:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Item Description<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Quantity<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Unit Price<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Total Price<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>________&nbsp;<\/td><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><td>________<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Subtotal: ___________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax (if applicable): ___________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shipping costs: ___________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Total amount due: ___________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Terms &amp; conditions:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Payment due by: ___________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Delivery date: _____________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other terms: _____________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Signature: ___________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-sample-pro-forma-invoice-template\">Date: ________________________________&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-pro-forma-invoice-nbsp\"><strong>What are the benefits of using a pro forma invoice?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a pro forma invoice offers several key benefits for both buyers and sellers:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transparency:<\/strong>&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;like a clear window into the deal, showing both sides exactly what\u2019s agreed upon.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Streamlines sales process:<\/strong>&nbsp;it makes things smoother between the seller and buyer before the purchase is locked in. There will be less back and forth and more getting things done.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tool for negotiations:&nbsp;<\/strong>since&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;not a final bill, both sides can use it to tweak terms&nbsp;or&nbsp;make changes to the order.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-disadvantages-of-a-pro-forma-invoice\"><strong>Disadvantages of a pro forma invoice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst pro forma invoices have their&nbsp;perks,&nbsp;they\u2019re&nbsp;not without their downsides:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potential for&nbsp;misunderstanding:<\/strong>&nbsp;customers might get confused and think&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;the actual invoice. This could lead to payment mix-ups.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Absence of legal weight:&nbsp;<\/strong>these&nbsp;aren\u2019t&nbsp;legally binding, so you&nbsp;can\u2019t&nbsp;force your customer to pay just because you sent one. If a buyer backs out, you could&nbsp;lose out&nbsp;if&nbsp;you\u2019ve&nbsp;already started making the products\/working on the services.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Possible changes&nbsp;in final cost:<\/strong>&nbsp;the pro forma might not match the final bill if costs or taxes change, potentially leading to arguments about&nbsp;what\u2019s&nbsp;actually owed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pro-forma-invoice-versus-invoice\"><strong>Pro forma invoice versus invoice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s\u00a0look at the difference between a pro forma invoice and a regular invoice. This will also give you an idea of\u00a0how to write an invoice\u00a0that really works.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Pro forma invoice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Invoice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Purpose<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Preview of terms and costs&nbsp;<\/td><td>Final request for payment&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Legally binding<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Uses<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Early estimate, pre-sale negotiation&nbsp;<\/td><td>Final sale confirmation, payment requested&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Flexibility<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Can be adjusted before final deal&nbsp;<\/td><td>Fixed and final. No changes allowed&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pro-forma-invoice-versus-commercial-invoice\"><strong>Pro forma invoice versus commercial invoice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro forma invoices are useful in international trade, particularly when goods are being shipped before a final commercial invoice is available. They can help customs authorities and couriers estimate duties and VAT in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Pro forma invoice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Commercial invoice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Purpose<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Initial estimate, not a demand for payment&nbsp;<\/td><td>Official document for payment and customs&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Legally binding<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Use case<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Pre-sale, negotiation, or customs estimate&nbsp;<\/td><td>Final sale, payment collection, tax authority requirements\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Detail level<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Can be much less detailed&nbsp;<\/td><td>Must include detailed transaction info&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pro-forma-invoice-versus-purchase-order\"><strong>Pro forma invoice versus purchase order<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A pro forma invoice is a preview of costs and terms, whilst a&nbsp;purchase order&nbsp;is a formal request from the buyer to buy something.&nbsp;Here\u2019s&nbsp;how they differ.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Pro forma invoice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Purchase order<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Purpose<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Estimate and terms preview&nbsp;<\/td><td>Buyer\u2019s formal request to purchase&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Legally binding<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes, once accepted by the seller&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Use<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Inform buyer of costs and terms&nbsp;<\/td><td>Confirm what buyer wants to buy&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Initiator<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Seller\u2019s document&nbsp;<\/td><td>Buyer\u2019s document&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cloud-based-invoicing-software-simplifies-managing-pro-forma-invoices-nbsp\"><strong>Cloud-based invoicing software simplifies managing pro forma invoices<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro forma invoices can make your business life easier by keeping things transparent and&nbsp;organised&nbsp;before the sale is final. However, you need to make sure your clients or customers know that what&nbsp;they\u2019re&nbsp;being given is not the final invoice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leverage powerful cloud-based invoicing software to cut down on errors, get paid faster, and have all your invoicing needs at your fingertips, whether&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;in the office or on the move:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Save time and money:<\/strong>&nbsp;issue invoices quickly, reduce errors, and cut costs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Automate invoicing:&nbsp;<\/strong>generate, send,&nbsp;track&nbsp;and manage invoices automatically.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Create&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;digital invoices:<\/strong>&nbsp;avoid disputes and simplify billing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Receive payments on time:&nbsp;<\/strong>guarantee that invoices reach clients promptly with clear payment terms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manage invoices on the go:<\/strong>&nbsp;access and manage your invoices anytime, anywhere.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Get started today and see how automated\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoicing software<\/a>\u00a0can streamline your business.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\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-ie\/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-ie\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash flow\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-18026 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-102 tag-business-intelligence tag-business-planning tag-cash-flow tag-compliance tag-profit-loss tag-tax tag-vat business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants 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-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-1440x810.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=\"2026-06-26T12:03:32+01:00\">26 June, 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\">6 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-ie\/blog\/vat-rates-in-ireland\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVAT rates in Ireland 2026: who qualifies for the 9% rate?\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\tUnderstand which goods and services qualify for Ireland\u2019s 9% VAT rate in 2026. Learn key changes from 1 July, common mistakes, and how to apply the correct VAT rate.\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-17886 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-102 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-digital-transformation tag-electronic-payments tag-financial-decisions tag-grow-business tag-small-business-saturday tag-state-of-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/e-invoicing-vat-modernisation\/\"\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-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/09\/Bakery-owners-calculating-comparative-advantage-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Bakery owners calculating comparative advantage\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/09\/Bakery-owners-calculating-comparative-advantage-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/09\/Bakery-owners-calculating-comparative-advantage-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/09\/Bakery-owners-calculating-comparative-advantage-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" 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=\"2026-05-15T10:13:54+01:00\">15 May, 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\tE-invoicing in Ireland: How VAT modernisation will affect your business\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-17859 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-102 tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-business-management tag-financial-decisions tag-profit-loss business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/three-way-matching-in-accounts-payable\/\"\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-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses.jpg 999w\" 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=\"2026-04-13T11:11:45+01:00\">13 April, 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\tThree-way matching in accounts payable: What it is and why it matters\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-17836 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-payments 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-ie\/blog\/accounts-payable-management-best-practices\/\"\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-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" 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=\"2026-04-10T09:25:32+01:00\">10 April, 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\">7 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\tAccounts payable management best practices\u00a0\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-17834 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-security-fraud business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/3-way-matching-in-accounts-payable\/\"\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-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/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=\"2026-04-09T16:57:02+01:00\">9 April, 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\tThree-way matching in accounts payable: What it is and why it is important\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>What is a pro forma invoice? Simply put, it outlines the anticipated transaction details based on a buyer\u2019s order, without requesting payment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1911,"featured_media":8262,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163],"tags":[105,110],"business_type":[5],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[251,232],"imagine_tag":[178],"coauthors":[555],"class_list":["post-17849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-bookkeeping","tag-cash-flow","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ie","author_name":"Laurence Matone","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453.jpg","imagine_tags":{"178":"Accounting software"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Ireland","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1911"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17849"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17849\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/8262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=17849"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=17849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}