Free credit note generator, credit note template & memo.
Free credit note generator: create and download professional credit notes as PDF in seconds. No signup. Fix invoice errors fast.
A credit note generator creates a document that cancels or reduces a previously issued invoice, for returns, overcharges or cancellations. Reference the original invoice, list the credited items, and download a professional PDF in your browser, free and without signup.
When to use it
Use it to reduce or cancel an invoice you’ve already sent: for a return, an overcharge, or a post-invoice discount. It adjusts the balance without editing the original.
| What you can do | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference the invoice | Link the credit to the original invoice number |
| Credit specific items | With quantities and amounts |
| Adjust the tax | Reduced in proportion to the credit |
| Add a reason | Returns, overcharge or discount |
| Download a clean PDF | No signup |
Prefer a file or a walkthrough?
You can also grab a free credit note template, see a credit note example, and read what is a credit note.
Frequently asked questions
What is a credit note?
A credit note (also called a credit memo) is a document a seller issues to a buyer to reduce or cancel the amount owed on a previously issued invoice. It acts like a “negative invoice” and is used for returns, overcharges, discounts or cancellations.
When should I issue a credit note?
Issue a credit note when you need to correct an overcharge or invoicing error, process a product return or damaged goods, cancel an order, apply a discount after billing, or account for a partial or incomplete delivery.
What is the difference between a credit note and a debit note?
A credit note is issued by the seller to reduce the amount a buyer owes. A debit note is issued by the buyer to notify the seller of a return or to request a reduction. In short: the seller raises credit notes, the buyer raises debit notes.
Is a credit note the same as a refund?
No. A refund is an actual return of money to the customer. A credit note adjusts the customer's account balance, it can later be refunded as cash or applied against a future invoice.
Does a credit note need to reference the original invoice?
Yes. A credit note should always reference the original invoice number so the adjustment can be matched, and so tax authorities can see a clear audit trail.
How does a credit note affect tax (VAT/GST)?
When you reduce or cancel an invoice that included tax, you must reverse the corresponding VAT/GST on the credit note. In VAT/GST jurisdictions like the UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand, a credit note is the document tax authorities expect to see for the adjustment.
What should a credit note include?
A credit note should include a unique credit note number, the issue date, the original invoice reference, your business and customer details, a description of the credited items, the reason for the credit, the credited amount shown as a reduction, and the adjusted tax.
Is the credit note generator free?
Yes, it is completely free with no signup and unlimited credit notes. Your data stays in your browser.
How should I number my credit notes?
Give every credit note its own unique number in a sequence that is separate from your invoices, for example CN-0001, CN-0002. Never reuse a number, since tax authorities expect an unbroken trail from the invoice to the credit.
Is a credit note the same as a credit memo?
Yes, they are the same document. "Credit memo" is the term most common in the US, while "credit note" is used in the UK, EU and Australia. Either wording works as long as the document clearly shows it is a credit.
Can I issue a credit note without an original invoice?
A credit note adjusts a specific invoice, so it must quote that invoice number. If the invoice was never sent, just correct the draft or start fresh with the invoice generator.
Can a credit note cover only part of an invoice?
Yes. List only the items or lines being credited and state the reason, for example two damaged units out of ten. The total credit then reduces the invoice balance by that amount instead of cancelling the whole invoice.
How long should I keep credit notes on file?
Keep them for as long as you keep invoices, usually five to ten years depending on your country. Tax authorities can ask to see the full chain from invoice to credit note during an audit, so store them with your other accounting records.
Does a credit note need a signature?
Not usually. What matters is a unique credit note number, the issue date, the original invoice reference, both parties details, the credited items with amounts, and the reason. A signature line is optional.
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