free Proforma Invoice file
Free proforma invoice template for the United States
Create a preliminary proforma invoice for United States before issuing a final invoice. The template includes editable line items, proforma number, issue date, buyer/seller details, sales tax placeholders, and a clear non-tax-invoice note.
- ✓Includes state sales-tax ID if used, customer billing address, job or project reference.
- ✓Uses USD ($) and MM/DD/YYYY date guidance.
- ✓Clearly marks the document as preliminary, not a final invoice for sales tax recovery.
Proforma Invoice
United States template preview
Preview generated from the same local labels and tax terminology used in the downloadable template.
How to use this proforma invoice template for the United States
A proforma invoice is useful before the final invoice exists. It can show expected goods, services, prices, tax treatment, shipping details, or payment instructions, but it should remain clearly preliminary.
For United States, the key is to include local identifiers such as state sales-tax ID if used, customer billing address, job or project reference while making it clear the document is not a final sales tax invoice.
Proforma Invoice and sales tax in United States
A proforma invoice is normally preliminary. It can support quoting, customs, approval, or advance-payment conversations, but it should not be used as a final tax invoice, fiscal invoice, or official e-invoice unless converted through the correct local process.
Fields included in the template
Proforma number
Keeps preliminary documents traceable before a final invoice is issued.
Issue date and expected shipment/payment date
Helps the buyer understand timing without treating the document as final billing evidence.
Not a tax invoice note
Prevents confusion with a final invoice or sales tax recovery document.
state sales-tax ID if used, customer billing address, job or project reference
Makes the proforma feel native to United States business paperwork.
sales tax estimate line
Shows expected tax treatment while keeping the proforma preliminary.
What to include
- Proforma number, issue date, buyer and seller details.
- Local business fields such as state sales-tax ID if used, customer billing address, job or project reference where relevant.
- Description, quantity, unit price, shipping, subtotal, estimated tax, and total.
- Payment, customs, delivery, or approval notes if the proforma is being used before fulfilment.
- A visible “not a tax invoice” or preliminary-document note.
Proforma, quote, or invoice?
Use a quote to make a firm offer before acceptance. Use a proforma invoice when the buyer needs invoice-like detail before the final invoice. Use a final invoice only when payment is due under the correct local rules.
This separation matters in United States, especially where VAT/GST/e-invoicing rules apply to final invoices but not preliminary documents.
How to customise the file
- Download the Excel or Word version, or use a Google copy link when available.
- Add your United States seller details and customer/importer details.
- Enter line items, shipping, estimated tax, payment terms, and the expected final invoice step.
- Check the sales tax wording and keep the preliminary note visible.
- Issue a final invoice separately when the transaction is ready to bill.
Choose the best format
Excel
Proformas with product quantities, estimated tax, shipping, discounts, and totals.
Word
Printable proformas with customs notes, payment terms, and explanatory text.
Google Sheets
Shared preliminary pricing that may change before the final invoice.
Google Docs
Text-heavy proformas for services, approvals, or cross-border paperwork.
Related business document templates
Frequently asked questions
Is this proforma invoice template a tax invoice in United States?
No. It is a preliminary document and should not be used as a final invoice or sales tax recovery document.
What fields should a United States proforma invoice include?
Include seller and buyer details, proforma number, date, line items, estimated totals, shipping or payment notes, and local fields such as state sales-tax ID if used, customer billing address, job or project reference where relevant.
When should I use a quote instead?
Use a quote when you are making a firm offer for the customer to accept. Use a proforma when the buyer needs invoice-style details before the final invoice.
Can I use this for customs?
A proforma can help provide preliminary shipment or value details, but customs requirements vary. Check the official requirements for the destination and shipment type.
Can I show sales tax on the proforma?
You can show expected sales tax as part of the preliminary price, but keep the document clearly marked as not a final tax invoice.
