Proforma Invoice Replace Selected Option For Free

A final sales invoice (also called a commercial invoice, final invoice, or official invoice) is a business instrument that states the total amount due and requests payment. A proforma invoice is a declaration by the seller to provide products or services in the future and isn't a legally binding agreement.

A proforma invoice is used: To let the buyer know what to expect from the supplier and to invite negotiation. To show the supplier's willingness to offer the goods and services at the discussed price, on the promised date. To acknowledge the buyer's acknowledgment and intent to pay. To streamline the quote-to-cash process.

Proforma invoices are essentially 'draft invoices', meaning they don't have the same legal importance as finalised invoices. Therefore, this means that: A customer is not legally required to pay the amount on a proforma invoice. Proforma invoices cannot be used to reclaim VAT.

A proforma invoice is issued when a seller has discussed the preliminaries of a sale with the buyer but cannot proceed to send an official invoice since the final details of the deal aren't confirmed by the buyer yet. A proforma invoice can be issued to let the buyer know what exactly to expect from the seller.

A sales invoice is issued, with an invoice number, when the goods/services have been delivered and payment is due. It is a legally binding agreement and is recorded in accounts payable. Whereas the proforma invoice is like a quotation, is not legally binding and is sent before the sale and details have been confirmed.

The main advantage of a proforma invoice is that, as it's not a finalised sales invoice, you don't need to revise it if there are changes to the goods or services you deliver (unlike a regular invoice). This can save you from needless admin.

A pro forma invoice is not an original/tax invoice. Therefore, it does not have any legal validity. Hence it does not legally bind either party in a supply transaction.

What Is the Difference Between an Invoice and Proforma Invoice? While an invoice is a commercial instrument that states the total amount due, the proforma invoice is a declaration by the seller to provide products and services on a specified date and time.

Proforma invoices are preliminary invoices that inform clients about the terms of sale. The preliminary invoices are created for internally checking invoices or for enabling customers to check their invoices. The invoices are not included in accounts receivable and payable.

Like a regular invoice, proforma invoices should include contact details, a date of issue, a description of the goods or services provided, the total amount due, and any VAT. They might also include payment terms such as which methods of payment you accept and when payment is expected.