1099 Independent Contractor Invoice Template
If you work for clients as an independent contractor rather than an employee, your invoice is the main record of what you earned. This template includes the details clients need for their records and for the 1099 they may file for you.
Line Items
How 1099 independent contractor invoicing usually works
Independent contractors bill hourly, by project or by retainer, and are paid without tax withholding, so keeping each invoice and payment record is essential for your own tax return. Clients who pay you above the IRS reporting threshold will typically ask for a W-9 and may send a Form 1099-NEC after year end. For payments made in 2026 that threshold is $2,000 (it was $600 before); the client decides whether to file, so always check the current IRS rules. This is general information, not tax advice.
What a 1099 independent contractor invoice should include
- Your legal name or business name and address
- A clear description of the work and the dates or hours it covers
- Your rate and the total due
- Payment terms and how you want to be paid
- A note that a W-9 is available on request
How to use this template
- The line items and notes above are examples. Replace them with your own work and prices.
- Add your business name, contact details and logo, then the customer's name and address.
- Check the invoice number, date and due date, and set a tax rate if you charge one.
- Click Preview, then Download PDF or Print. Your details can be remembered in this browser for next time.
Example: a filled-in 1099 independent contractor invoice
| Description | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract services - week of the stated date range (40 hrs) | 40 | $60.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Reimbursable expenses | 1 | $85.00 | $85.00 |
| Total due | $2,485.00 | ||
Illustrative sample figures only. Your prices will depend on your market, experience and local rules.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not keeping copies of invoices and payments, which makes tax time painful
- Mixing personal and business income in the same account
- Forgetting to set aside money for taxes because nothing was withheld
Frequently asked questions
Do I send a 1099 to my client?
No. A client who pays you may send you a 1099-NEC; you send them a W-9 if asked, which gives them your details.
Do I need to invoice if I get a 1099?
Yes. Your invoices are your own record of income, and the 1099 may not match what you earned, so keep your own records.
Is this 1099 independent contractor invoice template free?
Yes. It is free, needs no signup and nothing you type is sent to a server; the invoice is built in your browser.
Can I download it as a PDF?
Yes. Fill in the fields, preview the invoice and use Download PDF or Print.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Licensing, sales tax and invoice rules differ by state and city, so check with your state agency or an accountant.