What to include on a handyman invoice
- Your business name, contact details and any license or registration number your state or city requires.
- The customer's name and service address.
- Invoice number, date of the visit and due date.
- Each task on its own line, priced by the hour or as a flat rate.
- Materials, with a note on anything the customer supplied.
- Trip charge or minimum charge.
- Payment received and the balance due.
Hourly, flat-rate and minimum charges
Most handymen use a mix. Tasks with predictable times, like mounting a TV or replacing a faucet, work well as flat-rate lines, while open-ended repairs are safer by the hour. A minimum charge, often one or two hours, or a trip charge keeps small jobs worth the drive; whichever you use, print it on the invoice. The hourly rate calculator helps you set a rate that covers insurance, vehicle costs and unbilled time.
Many states cap the size of job you can take on without a contractor's license, and some count labor and materials together toward the limit. Check your state's contractor board before quoting larger projects.
Materials and markup
Bill materials on their own line. Many handymen add 10% to 20% to receipts to cover shopping time and returns, or bill shopping time by the hour instead; either is fair if the customer knows in advance. When the customer supplies a part, say so on the line, because your warranty then covers labor only.
Sales tax on materials, and sometimes on repair labor, depends on your state; the taxable toggle lets you tax only the lines that need it. The free handyman invoice is also available as a Word, Excel or PDF download.
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Download this template, prefilled with typical line items. No email needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a handyman charge per hour?
Rates vary by region, but many handymen charge roughly $60 to $100 an hour in 2026, with higher rates in large metro areas and for specialized work. Work out a rate that covers insurance, vehicle costs, taxes and time you can't bill, rather than simply matching competitors.
Should a handyman charge a trip fee?
Many do, either a flat trip charge or a one-hour minimum, so small jobs are worth the drive. Tell the customer when you book, list the fee on its own line, and say whether it is waived when the visit runs past a set amount.
Do I charge sales tax on handyman work?
It depends on your state. Materials are often taxable, while repair labor is taxed in some states and exempt in others. Keep labor and materials on separate lines, use the per-line tax toggle, and confirm the rules with your state revenue department or an accountant.
What if the customer buys the materials?
Note it on the invoice line, for example 'faucet supplied by customer', and bill only your labor. It is also worth stating that your warranty covers workmanship, not the customer's product, so a faulty part later doesn't turn into an unpaid callback.
When does handyman work need a contractor's license?
Many states set a dollar limit on jobs that can be done without a contractor's license, and many also require a trade license for plumbing, electrical or structural work regardless of price. Rules vary widely, so check your state's contractor board before bidding larger jobs.