Definition
What is a recurring invoice?
A recurring invoice is a bill generated automatically on a repeating schedule for an ongoing service or subscription, rather than created by hand each time. It carries the same client, amount, and billing period each cycle, and is used for retainers, maintenance contracts, and subscriptions. It saves manual effort and makes sure repeating charges are not forgotten.
How recurring invoices work
A recurring invoice is set up once with a client, an amount, and a frequency such as weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. On each cycle the system generates the next invoice for the coming period, covering a defined billing window. This suits any arrangement where the same charge repeats: retainers, maintenance and support contracts, and subscription services.
Recurring versus one-off invoices
A one-off invoice bills a single piece of work once. A recurring invoice repeats on a schedule for ongoing work. The key differences are that recurring invoices carry a billing period rather than a single date, and they are generated on a cycle instead of being created individually.
Automatic sending versus approval
Some systems send recurring invoices fully automatically. Others generate each period and hold it for review before it goes out. An approval step is useful when the amount or scope can vary between periods, or when you simply want a person to confirm each charge before the client sees it.
How this works in Belvak
Belvak queues each recurring billing period in an Upcoming Invoices view for your approval instead of sending automatically. You can approve a period to create the invoice or skip it, so recurring work bills on schedule while you keep the final say on what goes out. Billing stops on its own at the contract end date.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a recurring and a one-off invoice?
A one-off invoice bills a single piece of work once. A recurring invoice repeats on a schedule for ongoing work, carrying a billing period and generating each cycle automatically rather than being created by hand.
What are recurring invoices used for?
They are used for anything that charges the same amount repeatedly: retainers, maintenance and support contracts, and subscription services. They save manual effort and prevent missed charges.
Do recurring invoices always send automatically?
Not always. Some systems send them automatically, while others generate each period and hold it for approval first. An approval step lets you confirm the amount before the invoice reaches the client.