Billing checklist for law and CA firms: from time sheets to GST invoices
Most firms do not lose money on rates. They lose it on hours that were never written down and invoices that were never followed up.
1. Log time the same day
Record each piece of work against a matter with the hours and a one-line description. Memory a week later always undercounts.
2. Invoice per matter
Group unbilled time by matter, add your agreed fee, and apply GST where it applies. Include the matter name and your bank details on the invoice.
3. Track what is outstanding
Mark invoices as sent, paid or overdue. Review the overdue list every week and call before it becomes awkward.
4. Keep deadlines next to the work
Hearings and filing dates belong in the same system as the matter, so nobody bills for a matter while missing its next date.
Tax treatment varies — confirm GST details with your own advisor. Practice Portal brings matters, hearings, time and invoices together.