Proforma invoice vs invoice
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill sent before goods or services are delivered. A regular invoice is sent after, and it is the actual request for payment.
What a proforma invoice does
It tells the customer what the final invoice is expected to look like. It is often used for quotes, customs, and prepayments.
Key differences
- A proforma is an estimate. A regular invoice is a demand for payment
- A proforma is usually not recorded in accounts. A regular invoice is
- A proforma can change. A regular invoice should match what was delivered
When to use one
Use a proforma for international shipments, deposits, or when a customer needs paperwork to arrange payment. Send the final invoice after delivery.
Questions
Is a proforma invoice a tax document?
Usually no. It is not the final tax invoice. Check what your tax authority needs.
Can I turn a proforma into a regular invoice?
Yes. Copy the details, update anything that changed, give it a new invoice number and send it after delivery.
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General information, not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Rules vary by place.