- numbering your invoices sequentially, for example INV00001, INV00002.
- starting with a unique customer code, for example XER00001.
- including the date at the start of your invoice number, for example 2021-01-001.
- combining the customer code and date, for example XER-2021-01-001.
Does it matter what the invoice number is?
It can be argued that the invoice number is one of the most important components of an invoice other than the amount owed, of course. That's why it's important to have a firm grasp on what is invoice number. Having a numbering system allows you a means to identify each invoice.
How many digits is an invoice number?
They are approximately three to four digits long. An invoice number might also include a customer's name. An invoice number is based on the invoice number format or a numbering system that you choose. The laws of some countries legally require including a unique invoice number on each of your invoices.
What number should I start my invoices at?
Begin with a Customer Number Begin invoice numbers with the customer number to give yourself a secondary way to identify an invoice as belonging to a specific customer by looking at the invoice number only. This method is similar to the chronological numbering method.
What should I put for invoice number?
Invoice numbers are a mandatory invoice field. They should be assigned sequentially, meaning that the number of each new invoice increases. Legally, an invoice number sequence should never contain repeats or gaps. It's not recommended to simply number invoices '1', '2', '3', etc.
What number should my first invoice be?
You could start with 1, 2, 3, or even 00001, 00002, 00003. The most common sequential invoice numbering approach is to start with 0000000001 (9 zeros, followed by a 1). When doing this numbering manually, always write down the customers' name and amount owed in a separate sheet.
Can I start invoice number at any number?
You can structure your invoice number any way you want, you can start from number 1 or 100, but it is good to follow some rules and best practices to keep invoice numbers in order.