Just landed my first government contract. Excited, but a bit overwhelmed by the invoicing process. Seems like there are a ton of specific requirements and formats to follow.
Anyone here dealt with government invoices before? What should I watch out for to avoid delays or rejections?
I’ve done a few government jobs. Get their invoice template and fill it out exactly. Don’t change anything.
Keep every receipt and log all your hours. They might ask for proof later.
Submit invoices when they say to, not when you want to get paid. Government moves slow, so be ready to wait for your money.
Once you get the process down, it’s not so bad.
Never done government stuff. Sounds like a hassle with paperwork.
Stick to your usual way and hope it works.
Government invoices are a whole different beast. First off, get their exact format requirements. They’ll have specific templates or forms you need to use. Make sure every detail matches their specs: contract number, line items, dates, everything.
Keep backup for all charges. They might audit you later. Break down labor costs by person, rate, and hours. Materials need receipts.
Invoice on their schedule, not yours. Could be monthly or after certain milestones. Submit on time or you’ll wait even longer to get paid.
Follow their system for submitting invoices too. Might be email, might be some clunky online portal. Do it their way or it’ll get kicked back.
Yeah, government invoicing is its own beast. I’ve been there and it can be a headache at first.
Here’s what worked for me:
I also found it helpful to:
It’s a learning curve, but you’ll get the hang of it. Just be patient and super detail-oriented. Good luck with the new gig!
Congrats on the government contract! It’s a whole new world.
I remember my first one. Thought I’d lose my mind with all the rules.
Here’s what saved me:
I made a checklist of every single thing they wanted on the invoice. Used it religiously.
Found out which person in their office actually processes invoices. Got their direct number. Super helpful when I had questions.
Set reminders for invoice due dates. Government pays on a strict schedule. Miss it, and you’re waiting till next month.
Keep crazy detailed records. Like, everything. Hours, materials, even mileage. You never know what they’ll ask for later.
Oh, and patience. So much patience. The process is slow, but the checks are solid when they come.
Stick with it. Once you get the hang of it, it gets easier.
Government invoices can be a pain. Make sure you follow their exact format. Double-check all the details and keep good records. They might want to see everything later. Just take it step by step and you’ll figure it out.