You want to retain your existing customers, right? Then your invoice should leave a strong impression. A clear and well-structured layout helps. Adding your logo and company name improves recognition. Correct invoice details and a consistent layout show professionalism.
"}},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"An invoice is a bill for the delivery of goods and services. You send an invoice to other businesses, organizations, or institutions. In some cases, you also send them to private customers. You issue invoices (sales invoices), but you also receive invoices when you purchase goods for your business (purchase invoices).
Invoices are more than just a request for payment. They give you insight into your company’s revenue and costs. They are also important for things such as VAT returns. Creating an invoice is therefore more than simply printing a receipt. It must also comply with specific requirements set by the tax authorities.
"},"title":"What is an invoice?"},{"richBody":{"value":"As an entrepreneur, you are usually required to send an invoice to your customers. This is almost always the case when your customer is a legal entity, such as another business, an association, or a foundation. When dealing with private customers, you are usually not required to issue an invoice.
Businesses that are required to issue invoices to private customers include:
Writing an invoice all steps from the Chamber of Commerce.
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Did you know that a payment request increases the likelihood of prompt payment? Customers pay up to 3 times faster. In addition, you make it easier to pay and reduce the risk of incorrect transfers. You simply include a link with the invoice, which your customer can pay in just a few clicks.
Volgens de Belastingdienst mag je een factuur niet later versturen dan de 15de dag van de maand na de maand van levering. Als je bijvoorbeeld een opdracht op 7 juli hebt afgerond, dan moet je factuur dus voor 15 augustus de deur uit. Doe je het toch later? Dan moet je binnen het factuurstelsel de btw aangeven in het tijdvak waarin je de factuur had moeten sturen.
"}},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"No matter how cleverly and correctly you draft an invoice, payment may still fail to materialize. In that case, send a friendly payment reminder after a few days. Include all the information your customer needs to make the payment in that reminder. A payment request will usually speed up the process.
If payment is still not received, you enter an official process. This begins with sending a formal demand letter. After that, you can start a debt collection process. You can cover the high legal costs with a legal expenses insurance for businesses.
"},"title":"Factuur gemaakt, maar niet betaald?"}],"componentType":"accordion"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Avoid mistakes when creating an invoice"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"
Is everything correct on the invoice? A unique invoice number is particularly important, with the invoices numbered sequentially. The Tax and Customs Administration wants to be able to easily identify invoices during an audit.
"}},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Paper invoices are still permitted, but it is preferable to opt for online invoicing with a digital invoice (an email with a PDF). This makes administration easier, and you can add a payment link. An electronic or e-invoice goes a step further. You send a digital invoice from an automated administration system to your customer's system. This is secure, and the invoice is processed automatically. This significantly simplifies your administration. Do you supply to the central government? Then e-invoicing is mandatory.
Tip: Choose an online accounting package with a bank connection that you can link to your business account.
"}},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"An e-invoice or electronic invoice is sent from an automated administration system. Your invoice is always sent via a secure server and is always received correctly. On an e-invoice, the required data is always located in a fixed position with its own code. This makes it possible to automatically process an e-invoice in your administration using an online accounting package. Preferably choose an online accounting package that is linked to your payment account.
"},"title":"E-invoicing, how does it work?"},{"richBody":{"value":"As an entrepreneur, you must keep the invoices you receive and send for 7 years; you are even required to keep a real estate invoice for 10 years. The Tax and Customs Administration may request them during an audit! You may also create digital proof from paper invoices.
Important: Handle personal data on invoices with care. You can read how to do this in the GDPR privacy regulation.
"},"title":"Create and save invoices"}],"componentType":"accordion"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Important: different invoicing rules apply to international trade"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Are you exporting to other EU countries? This is called an intra-community supply. This supply is exempt from VAT for businesses (0% VAT). Different rules apply to invoicing.
Are you using the Union Scheme for trade with EU countries? Then the Dutch rules for invoicing apply, not those of the country to which you are exporting.
Are you importing goods from a non-EU country into an EU country? Then you can use the Import Scheme.
Under both schemes, the Dutch rules for invoicing apply, but you do not need to issue an invoice for VAT purposes. Are you not using these schemes? Then the local invoicing rules abroad apply.
Invoicing is the process of creating and sending bills. As an entrepreneur, you send bills, but of course, you also receive them from other entrepreneurs. Together, these invoices form an important basis for your company's administration. They provide you with an overview of your income and expenses.
"},"title":"What does invoicing entail?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Entrepreneurs are usually required to send an invoice to the customer after delivering services or goods. This is almost always the case if the customer is a legal entity, another company, an association, or a foundation.
"},"title":"Who sends the invoice?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Even as a self-employed professional, you are required to send invoices. These invoices must comply with the legal regulations of the Tax and Customs Administration. Would you like more tips on administration for self-employed professionals, such as invoices? Then take a look at: How to easily set up your bookkeeping.
"},"title":"How does invoicing for a self-employed professional work?"},{"richBody":{"value":"You can apply for an exemption from the VAT obligation. This is called the Small Business Scheme or KOR scheme. You are eligible for this if you generate less than €20,000 (excluding VAT) in turnover in a year and your business is established in the Netherlands.
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