Practical advice for freelancers and small businesses on invoicing, GST, payment terms, and getting paid on time.
When to issue a credit note, what it must contain, how it differs from a refund, what to send if you undercharged, how the GST adjustment works, whether there is a deadline for issuing one, what to do when you receive one, and how to handle a debt that will never be paid.
Invoicing BasicsWhat a proforma invoice is, when to send one, how it differs from a tax invoice, why Singapore Customs won't accept one for permits but US Customs will if you post a bond, when taking a deposit against one triggers GST, what changes if you quote in a foreign currency, why the HS code is the field buyers actually need, where it sits under Singapore and Malaysia e-invoicing, why proformas need their own number series and what breaks if they don't, why it's the document invoice fraudsters target most, and why a final invoice still has to follow.
FreelancingReal hourly rates for Singapore and Malaysia by skill and experience, how to convert a salary into a rate, hourly vs fixed, and when to raise your prices.
Invoicing BasicsThe real difference between a receipt and an invoice, what each includes, when to issue which, how they work in accounting, and the Singapore and Malaysia rules.
GSTWho must issue GST invoices, the mandatory fields IRAS requires, simplified vs full tax invoices, common mistakes, and how to create one free.
Getting PaidA subject line formula, a proven email body structure, and 3 ready-to-use templates for the initial send, reminder, and final notice.
InvoicingWho issues what and when, why three-way matching holds up your payment, what to do when the buyer raises the invoice instead of you, and how e-invoicing mandates from the EU to India are changing the process.
TaxThe two filing triggers most people miss, whether overseas client income counts, why the No-Filing Service probably doesn't cover you, how MediSave doubles as a tax relief most sole proprietors never claim, the ceiling where MediSave stops, and how to fix a mistake before IRAS asks.
Payment TermsWhat net 30, net 15, and due on receipt mean, which to choose, how terms hit your cash flow, adding a late fee, and enforcing terms in Singapore.
Getting PaidWhen to follow up, email scripts that work, how to escalate professionally, and your legal options in Singapore.
ContractsWhy contracts matter, essential clauses, scope creep protection, payment terms, and dispute resolution for freelancers.
InvoicingThe eight most common invoice mistakes that delay payment, from missing information to no follow-up system, and how to fix each.
SingaporeWhat to include, your UEN, when GST applies at S$1 million, how long to keep records for IRAS, and how to get paid faster.
FreelancingThe clauses that protect you from unpaid work and scope creep, payment terms, IP ownership, and what differs across SEA.
MalaysiaThe 8% service tax rate, the RM500,000 registration threshold, what a valid SST invoice must include, how it differs from GST, and how to file.
RegionalGST vs SST, registration thresholds, invoice requirements, currency and payment, and what changes when you work across both markets.
SEAUniversal invoice requirements plus tax rules for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia, payment terms, and common mistakes.
TemplatesStandard, GST, freelancer, service, and contractor templates explained, plus when to issue a receipt and what to do when a client does not pay.
SingaporeWhat you must include on a Singapore invoice, how to number them correctly, setting payment terms, and following up on late payments.
GSTWhen you need to charge GST, the 2026 GST rate, what a compliant tax invoice must include, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
FreelancingFrom sending invoices immediately to knowing when to escalate unpaid bills, these practical tips help you get paid faster and more reliably.
Getting PaidThe way you send an invoice matters as much as the invoice itself. The right subject line, body, and timing can cut your average payment time significantly.
Getting PaidNet 30 sounds professional but it means waiting a month to get paid. Here's what payment terms mean and which ones actually work for freelancers.
Invoicing BasicsAn invoice requests payment. A receipt confirms it. Knowing which document to issue and when avoids confusion and keeps your records clean.
Getting PaidMost late payments aren't deliberate. Here's a three-step email sequence to recover what you're owed without damaging the working relationship.
Invoicing BasicsEvery field that belongs on a professional invoice, why it matters, and what to put in it so clients have no reason to delay payment.
FreelancingBusiness registration, what to include, GST rules, PayNow for faster payment, the right payment terms, and what to do when clients don't pay.
QuotesA clear quotation wins the job and prevents scope disputes. What to include, how to set validity, whether it is binding, and how to convert to an invoice.