What to put on an electrical invoice
Electrical work is licensed and inspected, so your invoice is part of the job's paper trail. It should show:
- Your electrical license number — many states require it on contracts and invoices
- The scope of work in plain language: "Panel upgrade – 100A to 200A service"
- Labor, with the number of electricians and hours, or a flat price
- Materials — panel, breakers, wire and fittings — separately from labor
- Permit and inspection fees, and the date the inspection passed
- Your warranty on workmanship
Example electrical invoice
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel upgrade – 100A to 200A service (labor, 2 electricians × 6 hrs) | 12 | $105.00 | $1,260.00 |
| 200A main panel, breakers and meter base | 1 | $1,240.00 | $1,240.00 |
| Wire, conduit, grounding rods and connectors | 1 | $286.75 | $286.75 |
| Install EV charger circuit – 50A, 30 ft run (labor) | 2.5 | $105.00 | $262.50 |
| Electrical permit and inspection fee | 1 | $180.00 | $180.00 |
| Utility disconnect / reconnect coordination | 1 | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Total | $3,324.25 |
If you took a deposit, enter it under Amount already paid so the invoice shows the balance due.
Tie the final payment to the inspection
On permitted jobs, many electricians invoice the balance once the final inspection passes — it's a clear, objective milestone that customers accept. Put the payment schedule in your estimate: for example, 30% deposit, balance on passed inspection. Then note the inspection date on the invoice.
Service calls and small jobs
For a quick fix — a dead outlet, a tripping breaker — a service call fee plus time and parts works well. For common tasks you can estimate well, such as installing a ceiling fan or adding an outlet, a flat price per task is easier for the customer to accept.
Tax notes for electricians
If you're self-employed, your van, tools, testers, licenses, code books, continuing education and insurance are business expenses. Equipment can often be deducted in the year you buy it. Sales tax on materials and labor varies by state. Use the 1099 tax calculator to see how much of each payment to set aside — or the quarterly tax calculator after a big job.
Frequently asked questions
Should I show the permit fee separately?
Yes. Customers understand permit fees better when they see them on their own line, and it shows you did the job by the book.
How do I bill two electricians on one job?
Multiply hours by people in the quantity — 2 electricians × 6 hours = 12 hours, as in the example — or bill each person on a separate line if they have different rates.
What if the inspection fails?
Fix the issue and get it re-inspected before you invoice the balance. Any re-inspection fee caused by your work is usually your cost, not the customer's.
Can I add my logo and license to every invoice automatically?
Yes. Add your logo, and put your license number in your business details. Both are saved in your browser for your next invoice.