On the job
Send the final invoice after project completion
The final invoice lists what was delivered, subtracts the deposit in words, and asks for the balance. Send it when the work matches the scope, not when the calendar says the project ended.
Bill the balance when the scope is done
Project finals get delayed because “done” is emotional. Define done as the milestone you sold: the launch, the handover, the last room. Send the invoice that day. If a deposit was paid, the text says this is the balance and the invoice does not repeat the deposit as an amount still owed. If there is a snag list, decide whether snags block the invoice. Small snags should not. A room you have not painted should. Say which you chose, in one sentence, so the client does not think you billed a half-finished launch.
Final invoice for the cafe launch. The deposit you paid is not included in this balance. Due in 30 days: https://invoicetxt.com/i/your-link
Match the milestone in the proposal
Launch, handover, or practical completion. Use their words.
Call it the balance if a deposit exists
The fear is paying the deposit twice.
Send it the day the milestone happens
The celebration message can carry the link.
List leftovers separately
A future phase is not a line on the final invoice.
What to put on this invoice
- The milestone name
- Balance, if money was already paid
- The due terms from the contract
- A sentence about what is not included
Questions about this job
What if they want a retention?
Follow the contract. If retention is real, the invoice is for the amount that is actually due now, and the text says the rest is retention.
Should I wait for written acceptance?
If the contract requires it, yes. If it does not, do not invent a wait.
Can the final invoice include an extra they added?
Yes, as its own line, named as a variation they approved.
Done means the milestone you sold. The invoice goes out on that day, as the balance.
Related guides
Invoice multiple jobs in one day via text
Each job gets its own text and its own link, sent before you start the next one. A single catch-up session at night mixes the totals.
Open guide →Create an invoice from job notes
Turn the job note into the invoice line: client, each price, due date. If the note does not contain prices, it is not ready.
Open guide →Turn handwritten notes into a text invoice
Type the handwritten prices into one line, check them against the page, and text the link. Do not photograph the notebook and call it the invoice.
Open guide →