Question 1

What is a retainer invoice?

Accepted Answer

A retainer invoice is a recurring invoice sent to a client on a regular schedule (monthly, quarterly) for ongoing services. Unlike project invoices, retainers bill for availability and time rather than specific deliverables.

Question 2

How do I save this invoice as a PDF?

Accepted Answer

Click "Preview and Download PDF". The invoice opens in a new window. In the print dialog, select "Save as PDF" as the destination instead of a printer. All modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) support this.

Question 3

What is the SAC code for retainer services in India?

Accepted Answer

Common SAC codes: 998314 (Management Consulting), 998321 (Advertising & Marketing), 998313 (IT Support Services), 999299 (General Professional Services). Use the code matching your primary service. Ask your CA if unsure.

Question 4

What should I include in a retainer invoice?

Accepted Answer

Include: your business name and contact, client details, unique invoice number, invoice date, due date, retainer period, itemised services, subtotal, GST/tax amount, total amount due, and your bank payment details.

Question 5

What are the GST rules for freelancer invoices in India?

Accepted Answer

Freelancers with annual turnover above Rs 20 lakh (Rs 10 lakh in special category states) must register for GST. Services are typically taxed at 18%. Issue invoices within 30 days of service completion. Maintain records for 6 years.

Question 6

What payment terms should I use for retainer invoices?

Accepted Answer

Net 15 is standard for retainer agreements — it gives clients two weeks to pay. For trusted long-term clients, Net 30 is acceptable. For new clients or large amounts, consider Net 7 or due on receipt.

Question 7

How do I number retainer invoices?

Accepted Answer

Use a consistent format: RET-YEAR-001, RET-YEAR-002, etc. This tool auto-increments the number. Never reuse invoice numbers — unique numbering is required for GST compliance and accounting purposes.

Retainer Invoice Generator