Proforma Invoice Generator
Create a proforma invoice for advance payment or customs purposes.
About the Proforma Invoice Generator
A proforma invoice sits between a quotation and a final tax invoice — used when a customer needs a formal-looking document to arrange payment (an advance, a letter of credit, an import declaration) before the actual sale and tax invoice are finalised. It looks like an invoice but explicitly isn't one for accounting or GST purposes.
This generator produces exactly that: your business and customer details, line items with computed totals, and a clear statement that this is a proforma document, not a tax invoice or a demand for payment under GST law. It's commonly requested by customers making advance payments, and by customs authorities for cross-border shipments where the actual tax invoice will follow later.
Once the customer pays the advance or the transaction proceeds, issue a proper tax invoice using the invoice generator — never record a proforma invoice as a sale in your books, since doing so can create GST filing mismatches.
Exporters in particular rely on proforma invoices constantly: overseas buyers frequently need one to open a letter of credit or arrange currency remittance before goods ship, and customs authorities on both ends may request it as part of the shipment paperwork. Keep the format simple and consistent across your business so buyers and banks recognise it immediately.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a proforma invoice a legal tax invoice?
- No — it's explicitly not a tax invoice or demand for payment under GST law. It's used for advance payment requests, customs declarations, or internal approval processes before the actual sale is finalised.
- When do businesses typically use a proforma invoice?
- Common cases: requesting an advance payment before starting work, supporting a customer's internal purchase approval process, or accompanying export shipments for customs purposes ahead of the final commercial invoice.
- Should I record a proforma invoice in my GST returns?
- No — only actual tax invoices should be recorded as sales for GST purposes. Recording a proforma invoice as a sale can create mismatches when you later issue the real tax invoice.
Related tools
Create a professional GST invoice and print or save it as PDF — no sign-up needed.
Quotation GeneratorCreate a professional price quotation with line items and validity date.
Purchase Order GeneratorCreate a formal purchase order to send to your suppliers.
GST CalculatorAdd or remove GST from any amount and see the CGST/SGST/IGST split instantly.