Tips on Writing Invoices as an NZ Burlesque Performer

Bit of a dry title, I know, but whenever I ask performers for invoices, I end up having to ask for them to be re-done because pertinent information is missing. So here's a few tips on how to write an invoice.

1. Make sure your full legal name, address and email address is at the top of the invoice.

2. There's no need to write Tax Invoice on it, unless you are GST registered- then you are obliged to. I'm assuming that most performers aren't GST registered, but if you are, the requirements of what should be on a Tax Invoice can be found here ird.govt.nz

3. Put an invoice number that makes sense to you so that the payer can put that as a reference when making payment.

4. You don't need to put your IRD number on, unless you are GST registered and unless the person you're invoicing is paying your tax (i.e.witholding tax).

5. Put the date you're issuing the invoice.

6. Put who the invoice is for, e.g.the company that hired you.

7. Write a description of the thing you're charging for. As a Burlesque performer that would need to include, your stage name, the name of the show you performed in, how many acts or what you did in that show and what date the show was.

8. Write the total due.

9. Include your bank account number, name of your account (not the name of your bank, the name the account is in), and don't forget to put when payment is expected, otherwise the invoice will be paid the 20th of the following month as is standard accounting practice.

And here's a lovely example for you:

Rachel Smith

15 Queen Street. Mount Eden. Auckland. 1020.

0215264973

Invoice #:   1900/02

Date: 18/12/2013

To:   Saucy Entertainment

Services Provided:   2 burlesque performances as Lady L’Amour for Big Time Media’s Christmas Party on 15 December, 2013.

Performance 1 - fan dance - $150.00

Performance 2 - singing 2 songs - $150.00 

Total Due - $300.00

Please pay upon receipt of invoice to:

Miss R W Smith

06-9857-3898416-00