Glossary

Invoice

An invoice is the document, issued by a creditor, describing a payment obligation (the debt, the claim) and its origin.

An invoice meets several needs:

  • Accounting (keeping a record of transactions)
  • Taxes (for the State to collect what it is owed)
  • As information for the client (how much do I owe and how can I pay, etc.)

An invoice must include certain information, especially for tax authorities.

  • Creditor identification, including their VAT number, if applicable
  • Client identification (the debtor), including their VAT number, if applicable
  • The goods and/or services in question and their prices
  • An invoice number (a sequential number in the book of sales invoices)
  • An invoice date (and preferably, also a due date)
  • VAT and rates
  • Etc.
  • Note: for Flanders, certain information in Dutch is required.

Updated 04/12/2017

 

Discover the following articles:

Invoice time: when should you invoice your clients?

How to make a perfect invoice

Definitions provided under this section refer to the Belgian situation; unless specified otherwise. The texts are meant to summarize concepts in daily language and should not be considered as comprehensive or definite. We welcome suggestions for modifications or additions at glossary@tcm.be.