> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.claruswms.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Create an Invoice

> Create invoices from scratch with line items, tax settings, and approval workflows.

## Creating an Invoice

You can manually create invoices without using charge cards. Follow these steps to complete your invoice from scratch.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Invoices section">
    From the left-hand menu, go to **Charges** and click **Invoices**. A list of your existing invoices will appear.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new invoice">
    Click **+New** to begin creating a new invoice.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the invoice fields">
    Enter the necessary information:

    * **To**: Select the account to invoice from the dropdown list.
    * **Date**: Defaults to the current date, but you can change it using the calendar icon.
    * **Due Date**: Automatically set to one month after the invoice date. Adjust based on your client's payment terms.
    * **Invoice Number**: The system assigns the next available number. You can change this manually if needed.
    * **Reference**: Enter a relevant reference, such as a month or purchase order number.
    * **Currency**: Defaults to GBP. Contact support if you need another currency.
    * **Amounts Are**: Choose from **No Tax**, **Tax Exclusive**, or **Tax Inclusive**.

    <Warning>Duplicate invoice numbers are not allowed. The system will reject any number already in use.</Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add items to the invoice">
    Add the products or services you are invoicing for:

    * **Description**: Write a description of each item.
    * **Quantity**: Enter the quantity.
    * **Unit Price**: Enter the price per unit.
    * **Tax Rate**: Select the correct VAT rate (20%, 5%, or no VAT). You can apply different VAT rates to different items.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add or remove lines">
    The invoice starts with 5 item lines. Click **+Add Line** for more. To remove a line, click the cross icon next to it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and submit the invoice">
    Choose from these options at the bottom of the screen:

    * **Save**: Save the invoice to continue working on it later.
    * **Save & Submit for Approval**: Save and send for approval.
    * **Approve**: Approve the invoice directly.
    * **Cancel**: Discard the invoice.
  </Step>
</Steps>