How to Use Microsoft Access for Invoicing

Not only can you store and organize data in Microsoft Access, you can also use it to create and manage invoices. Use Microsoft invoicing templates to bill your customers directly from your Access database. Templates are available as free downloads from the Microsoft Office website. Invoicing templates are available for Access 2003, 2007 and 2010.

Step 1
Download the Desktop Time and Billing template for Access 2003 and 2007 or the Desktop Services template for Access 2010. Both are available from the Microsoft Office website under the "Templates" tab at the top of the page (see link in Resources).

Step 2
Launch Access. In 2003 or 2007 go to "File | Templates | Time & Billing | Project List | Reports | Invoice." In Access 2010, a "Quotes & Invoices" tab automatically appears on the dashboard.

Related Reading: How to Retrieve Data From Microsoft Access

Step 3
Select the invoice template you want to use in Access 2003 or 2007, or click the "Add New Invoice" button on the Access 2010 dashboard. From here the invoicing steps are the same regardless of version.

Step 4
Enter the status, employee name, customer name and amounts into the appropriate fields. You're prompted to create a new customer record if the name isn't already found in Access.

Step 5
Click "Save & Close" and then "Next" to exit. The invoice appears in the "Report Center" tab of Access 2003 and 2007 and the "Invoices" tab in Access 2010. Choose to sort by "Unpaid," "Past Due" or "Paid."

Step 6
Click the invoice number to edit, print or change the status of an invoice. Choose "Save & Close" to save changes.