---
title: "Deposit Invoice Template (Free PDF) — One Page Invoice"
description: "A free deposit invoice template: ask for an upfront payment before the work starts, then credit it on the final invoice. Fill it in online, download a PDF."
image: "https://onepageinvoice.com/og/lp-deposit.png"
---

Deposit invoice template

# Deposit invoice template

Ask for part of the price before you start: what the deposit is for, how much of the total it is, and when the rest is due. Then take it off the final invoice so the client only pays the balance.

[Use this template](https://onepageinvoice.com/new?start=deposit) [Questions](#questions)

Free. No sign-up. A one-page PDF you can send today.

Sample: made with this template. Every field is yours to change.

## What a deposit invoice should say

A deposit invoice is an ordinary invoice for part of the price, sent before the work starts. The client should be able to tell from it alone what they're paying for and what happens next:

- **That it's a deposit**, in the line itself: “Deposit: 50% of walnut dining table”.
- **What it's a deposit on**: the job and the quote it comes from, with the full price, so the share is plain.
- **When it's due**: usually before you order materials or book the date. A short due date, such as 7 days, keeps the start on time.
- **What happens to the rest**: “The balance of $1,800 is due on delivery.”
- **Whether it's refundable**, and from when, in the notes.

## Taking it off the final invoice

When the work is done, invoice the whole job as usual, then add the deposit as its own line with a negative price, naming the deposit invoice: “Deposit paid, invoice 0118” at −1,800. The total shows the full value of the job, and the balance due is what's left. Don't just invoice the remaining half with no reference: the client, and your bookkeeping, should be able to see that the two invoices add up to the quote.

For long jobs, the same idea works in stages: a deposit, an invoice at each stage, and a final invoice that credits what's been paid. The [contractor template](https://onepageinvoice.com/invoice-templates/contractor) shows stage billing.

## How much to ask for

Enough to cover what you spend or turn down before the client sees anything: materials you buy for this job, time you hold for them that you can't sell to anyone else. Put the amount or percentage in the quote, so the deposit invoice is no surprise.

Tax rules for deposits differ from country to country. If you charge VAT or sales tax, ask your accountant whether the deposit is taxed when you invoice it or at the end.

## Questions

### Is a deposit invoice a real invoice?

Yes. It asks for a payment, so it needs everything an invoice does: its own number, the date, who it's from and to, what it's for and the amount. Number it in the same series as your other invoices.

### What number does the final invoice get?

The next one in your series. On it, list the whole job, then the deposit as a negative line that names the deposit invoice, such as “Deposit paid, invoice 0118”, so anyone can match the two.

### What if the client cancels?

That depends on what you agreed. Say it on the quote and repeat it in the deposit invoice's notes, for example “The deposit is non-refundable once materials are ordered”, so there's no argument later.

### Can the client pay the deposit by card?

Yes. Add your Stripe or PayPal payment link and turn on the share link: the client opens it, presses Pay, and you start sooner. The QR code on the PDF opens the same page.

## Related

- [Freelance invoice template](https://onepageinvoice.com/invoice-templates/freelance) · for freelancers billing by project, with deposits and revisions
- [Contractor invoice template](https://onepageinvoice.com/invoice-templates/contractor) · for builders and trades: labour, materials, subcontractors, deposits
- [Invoice with a payment link](https://onepageinvoice.com/invoice-templates/pay-online) · a share link and QR code with a Pay button for your Stripe or PayPal link
- [How to write an invoice](https://onepageinvoice.com/guides/how-to-write-an-invoice) · a step-by-step guide: what every invoice needs and how to send it

Free, no account

Make yours now: one page, about a minute.

[Use this template](https://onepageinvoice.com/new?start=deposit)

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