Create invoice

Free Retainer Invoice Template

A formal letterhead in spaced capitals, the amount due set as the headline with the date beneath it, and the retainer and any additional work itemized below.

Ashcombe Advisory

17 East 64th Street New York, NY 10065

accounts@ashcombe.com
+1 212 555 0148
ashcombe.com

Amount due

$26,640.00

Due Oct 31, 2026

Invoice no.
INV-0042
Issue date
Oct 1, 2026
Due date
Oct 31, 2026
Terms
Net 30
Project
Board advisory, Q4 2026

Billed to

Calder Wynn Partners

55 Hudson Yards, 34th Floor New York, NY 10001

finance@calderwynn.com

Payment

Wire transfer to Ashcombe Advisory LLC Hudson Bank · Account 3301 2290 7744 · ABA 026009593 · SWIFT HUDSUS33

Description QtyUnit price Amount
Board advisory retainer — October to December 1$18,000.00 $18,000.00
Strategy workshop with the executive committee 1$6,500.00 $6,500.00
Travel and accommodation, London 1$2,140.00 $2,140.00
Subtotal
$26,640.00
Total USD
$26,640.00

Notes

With thanks. Questions about this invoice: accounts@ashcombe.com.

Ashcombe AdvisoryInvoice INV-0042
Example

Ashcombe Advisory invoicing Calder Wynn Partners. Your own details replace these as you type.

Who it is for

A retainer invoice often goes to a partner or a director first and a finance team second. The first reader wants the amount and the date; the second wants the detail. This template serves both, in that order.

The business name is set in widely spaced capitals, like engraved stationery. The amount due is the headline, with the due date beneath; the invoice number, dates and engagement sit in a ruled ledger beside it, and remittance details have their own place under the client.

It suits advisory firms, law and accounting practices, fractional executives and senior consultants billing monthly or quarterly retainers.

What to include

What to put on a retainer invoice

Engagement
The agreement the retainer falls under, and the period: “Board advisory, Q4 2026”.
Retainer
One line for the period: “Board advisory retainer — October to December”, quantity 1.
Additional work
Anything outside the retainer, such as a workshop or a project, as separate lines.
Expenses
Travel and other agreed costs, at cost.
Remittance details
Full wire details: bank, account, routing or ABA, and SWIFT for international clients.
Contact for queries
Who to contact about the invoice, in the notes.

How to fill it in

From this page to a PDF.

  1. 01

    Open the example

    Customize this invoice opens a quarterly retainer in the generator.

  2. 02

    The period

    Name the engagement and the period, and add the retainer as one line.

  3. 03

    Anything extra

    Add additional work and expenses beneath. The headline amount updates.

  4. 04

    Send

    Download the PDF and send it to both your contact and their accounts team.

Customize this invoice

Questions

What is a retainer invoice?

An invoice for a fixed fee that secures your availability or a set amount of work for a period, usually billed at the start of each month or quarter. Work outside the retainer is billed separately.

When should I send a retainer invoice?

When your agreement says: commonly at the start of the period, so the retainer is paid in advance. Use the same day each period so the client can plan for it.

How do I show work beyond the retainer?

As separate lines under the retainer, each described, so the client sees what was included and what was extra.

Can I bill a retainer in advance and expenses in arrears?

Yes, on one invoice. Describe the retainer period ahead and the expenses with their past dates.

Related templates

Other templates to try.

All templates

Guides & tools

Guides and tools for this invoice.

  1. GuideHow to invoice a clientInvoicing starts before the work does. How to set terms, time your invoices, make paying easy, and handle a late payment without damaging the relationship.
  2. GuideInvoice vs billThe same document seen from two sides: the seller sends an invoice, the buyer receives a bill. When each word is used, and which to put on yours.
  3. GuideHow to write an invoiceThe words on an invoice decide how quickly it is approved. How to write line items, terms, notes and the covering email, with examples.
  4. ToolInvoice tax calculatorPrice, discount, tax, shipping and deposit in; subtotal, tax, total and balance due out, exactly as the invoice will show them.

Free · No account · No watermark

Your executive invoice, in three minutes.

Open the example in the generator, put in your own details and download the PDF. Your business details are remembered for next time.

Customize this invoice