How to create and send an invoice

In InnoBooks, creating an invoice takes just a few minutes: pick the client, add your items or services with GST and QST, then send it by email or secure link. You can then record the payments you receive against it. Here’s the full walkthrough.

What you’ll need #

• A client already saved in InnoBooks (with an email address if you want to email the invoice).
• Your business information filled in (the Edit Business Information button inside the form).
• Your taxes set up in settings (GST 5% and QST 9.975% for Quebec).
• Permission to create invoices.

Steps #

1. Open the new invoice form

   From the menu, open the Invoices page, then click New Invoice at the top right. The creation window opens.

   

2. Choose the client and dates

   In the Sent to Client/Project field, search for and select your client (or a project). The Invoice Number is suggested automatically. Then pick the Issue Date and the Due Date. You can add a note in the Description field.

3. Add line items and taxes

   Click Add new line to type an item manually, or + Add New Item to insert an item or service you’ve already saved. For each line, fill in the description, the Rate and the Quantity. In the Tax column, click + Add Taxes to apply GST and QST. The Subtotal and Amount Due are calculated automatically.

4. Save the invoice

   Check the Amount Due at the bottom of the form, then click Save. The invoice is created and appears in your invoice list.

5. Send the invoice to the client

   Open the invoice to view its detail page. At the top right, click Send Email to send it straight to the client’s saved email address. You can also click Share by link to get a secure link to copy (the Copy to Clipboard button). The More menu offers other options such as Download PDF or Print.

6. Record a payment (Optional)

   When the client pays, open the invoice in Edit mode and, in the Payment section, click Add Payment. Enter the Amount Paid (or tick Paid in Full), the Payment Date and the Payment Method (Cash, Transfer or By card). Quick tip: the More menu also offers Mark as Paid.

Tips & edge cases #

• Taxes apply line by line. Set up GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) in your tax settings first so you can select them through + Add Taxes.
• No email address for this client? Send Email will show an error. Use Share by link instead to deliver the invoice.
• The More menu also lets you Duplicate an existing invoice — handy for recurring billing to the same client.
• Reorder lines by dragging the handle on the left of each item.

Frequently asked questions #

How do I apply GST and QST to my invoice? #

On each line item, click + Add Taxes in the Tax column and select GST (5%) and QST (9.975%). The taxes must first be created in your settings. The amount is calculated and added automatically to the Amount Due.

Can I send an invoice without the client’s email? #

The Send Email button requires a saved email address for the client. If you don’t have one, use Share by link: InnoBooks generates a secure link that you copy and send to the client.

How do I mark an invoice as paid? #

Two ways: add the received payment via Add Payment in the Payment section of the form, or use the More menu then Mark as Paid on the detail page.

Related articles #

• How to create an estimate and get it accepted online
• Set up your taxes (GST and QST)