Document Types
Practical guides on document types — clear writing for freelancers and small-business owners.
11 articles
- 01Document TypesJul 23, 2026
What Is a Remittance Advice? Meaning, Examples & Free Template
A remittance advice is the slip a payer sends to confirm what an incoming payment covers. Here's how to read one, send one, and use it to match payments.
8 min read - 02Document TypesJul 15, 2026
What Is a Statement of Account? When to Send One (+ Free Template)
A statement of account summarizes all outstanding invoices for one client. Learn the two main types, when to send one, and copy a free template.
8 min read - 03Document TypesJun 25, 2026
What Is a Purchase Order? PO vs Invoice Explained (+ Free Template)
A plain-English guide to purchase orders, the PO process, and how a PO differs from and connects to an invoice — with a free template and worked example.
8 min read - 04Document TypesJun 23, 2026
What Is a Commercial Invoice? Customs Requirements + Free Template
A commercial invoice clears your goods through customs. Learn the required fields — HS codes, country of origin, Incoterms, declared value — with a free template.
8 min read - 05Document TypesJun 8, 2026
How to Write a Quote: A Practical Guide for 2026
How to write a professional quote — scope, validity period, deposits, acceptance, change orders, the quote-to-invoice handover, and when to use an estimate instead. Includes a disclaimer: this is general information, not legal or tax advice.
10 min read - 06Document TypesJun 6, 2026
How to Write a Receipt (What to Include + Free Template)
What a receipt is, how it differs from an invoice, exactly what to include, and how to issue one quickly for cash, card, or bank payments.
9 min read - 07Document TypesJun 2, 2026
What Is a Credit Note? When and How to Issue One
A credit note cancels or reduces an invoice you've already sent. Learn when to use one, what to put on it, and how it affects your VAT or GST records.
9 min read - 08Document TypesMay 29, 2026
Invoice vs Quote vs Estimate: What's the Difference?
Quotes, estimates, and invoices look similar but do very different jobs. Learn when to send each, how binding they are, and how they fit together on a project.
9 min read - 09Document TypesMay 23, 2026
Recurring & Retainer Invoices Explained
How to structure, send, and manage recurring invoices and retainer agreements. Covers billing models, rollover policies, rate reviews, and real-world examples.
10 min read - 10Document TypesMay 19, 2026
Proforma Invoice vs Invoice: What's the Difference?
Learn what a proforma invoice is, how it differs from a commercial invoice, when to use each, and common mistakes that cause customs delays or payment confusion.
9 min read - 11Document TypesMay 5, 2026
Invoice vs Receipt: What's the Difference?
Understand the key differences between invoices and receipts, when to use each, and why it matters for your business records and taxes.
9 min read