Parties
Full legal names and legal entity types for payer and payee; include EIN or TIN when required for tax reporting.
Using a single template reduces back-and-forth, clarifies payment obligations, and creates an auditable trail for accounting and tax compliance. It helps standardize terms across transactions, speeds invoicing, and supports later dispute resolution by keeping contract language and billing details together.
This template is used by organizations and independent providers who bill for goods or services and need a written agreement tied to an invoice.
Use this template when you need a single record that establishes obligations and requests payment, particularly where quick execution and auditability matter.
Full legal names and legal entity types for payer and payee; include EIN or TIN when required for tax reporting.
Concise description of goods or services, deliverables, and references to exhibits or purchase orders when applicable.
Amount, currency, due date, late fees, early payment discounts, invoicing cadence, and accepted payment methods.
State and local tax treatment, who bears sales tax, and any reimbursement rules for expense items.
Warranties, indemnities, lien rights, setoff, and remedies for nonpayment including collection costs and interest.
Invoice number, invoice date, purchase order reference, billing address, remit-to banking or payment instructions.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Required for each authorized party |
| Date Field | Auto-fill current date option |
| Conditional Line Item | Show only when checkbox selected |
| Approval Workflow | Route to finance then legal |
Choose a platform that supports the file formats you use, secure eSignature, and integration with accounting systems.
Confirm the platform offers audit trails, optional strong signer authentication, and formats exportable to your general ledger to streamline reconciliation and compliance.
Set per contract (e.g., Net 30) and display on invoice
Provide payee info when requested for 1099 reporting
Send reminders at 7 and 14 days past due
Finance approvals typically 1–3 business days
Retention measured from invoice/contract date
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Trial available | Trial available | Trial available | Trial available |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (plan limits) |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Optica standardized combined agreements to reduce signing friction and billing errors.
BIS adopted a single template for milestone billing and acceptance.
A finance executive who approves payment terms, verifies tax IDs, and signs high-value contracts. The CFO ensures the invoice aligns with company accounting policies and authorizes payment methods.
A self-employed provider who completes the template to confirm scope and request payment. The contractor provides TIN/EIN, signs the contract portion, and submits the invoice for processing.
| Document Type | Primary Use | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Separate Contract | defines long-term obligations | focuses on legal terms without invoice data |
| Standalone Invoice | requests payment for delivered goods | lacks contract terms and remedies |
| Purchase Order | buyer-issued order to supplier | often triggers contract but is not itself a full agreement |
| Bill of Sale | documents transfer of ownership | suited to asset sales, not ongoing services |