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Accounting and invoicing for design and writing

Logo, website, catalogue copy, translation: creatives sell results, rounds of changes and usage rights. Saldiqo issues quotes with a clear scope, bills stages and shows which clients pay on time.

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What comes up for design, writing and translation businesses

Scope and revision rounds

Two drafts, two rounds of changes, then an extra charge: a clear scope on quote and invoice prevents disputes.

Usage rights and packages

Logo for print and web, copy with exclusive rights, translation with proofreading: rights and packages belong visibly in the invoice.

Clients in several countries

Many creatives work for clients abroad. The invoice needs the matching tax type and note.

Irregular income

Two big jobs in a quarter, then a lull. Whoever keeps an overview of open invoices plans more calmly.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Quote with a clear scopeDrafts, revision rounds and rights as separate lines. Everything beyond that you bill by effort.
  • Deposit and final invoiceThe quote becomes the deposit invoice, and the final invoice deducts it.
  • Tax type for abroadFor businesses in other EU countries you choose reverse charge, and Saldiqo adds the note.
  • Open items in viewUpload the bank statement, and Saldiqo recognises paid invoices and shows who is still open.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • Logo design, three variants
  • Two rounds of changes, included
  • Further round of changes by effort, hours
  • Usage rights, unlimited in time, print and web
  • Copy, 1,200 words
  • Proofreading and editing

Tax and invoicing in Malta

What applies to invoices in Malta, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Rates 18 %, 12 %, 7 % and 5 %. Malta has no zero rate in law. Exports, EU supplies, food and medicines are exempt with credit, which lets you reclaim input VAT. Exempt without credit does not.
Article 11 small undertakings
With up to €35,000 of domestic turnover a year you can be exempt under Article 11. The status ends on the day the limit is passed, and you still register with the VAT department. Saldiqo adds the exemption note and leaves VAT off.
Tax invoice or fiscal receipt
A tax invoice is issued only when the customer gives you a VAT number. Otherwise a fiscal receipt from an approved system is required. Saldiqo writes invoices. It is not a fiscal receipt system, and a Saldiqo PDF does not replace a fiscal receipt.
Invoice timing
Issue the invoice by the 15th of the following month, or when payment arrives if that comes first. Simplified invoices are allowed up to €100.
E-invoicing
There is no mandate. Public bodies accept e-invoices through Peppol (EN 16931). The tax authority plans e-invoicing and real-time reporting but has set no dates, and EU rules apply from 1 July 2030.
VAT returns
Returns are due by the 15th day of the second month after the period, with 7 extra days when you file and pay electronically. Article 11 businesses file a yearly declaration by 15 February. Saldiqo does not file returns.
Record keeping
VAT records for 6 years, income tax records for 9 years and company records for 10 years. Plan for 10 years.
Late payment
Interest on late business payments is 10.40 %, plus €40 compensation between businesses.
Languages
Use Saldiqo in English or Maltese and send invoices in either language.

Frequently asked questions

Can I show usage rights as a separate line?

Yes. You create them as an item and add them to the quote or invoice.

How do I bill clients in other EU countries?

You choose the tax type reverse charge. Which rule applies to the client, you clear with your tax adviser.

Do design, writing and translation businesses in Malta have to charge VAT?

If you are registered under Article 10, yes. Small undertakings under Article 11 with domestic turnover of up to €35,000 a year are exempt from charging VAT, but the status ends on the day the limit is passed.

Do design, writing and translation businesses in Malta need a fiscal receipt?

Sales to consumers need a fiscal receipt from an approved fiscal receipt system, and Article 11 businesses use one for all sales. Saldiqo is not such a system. It covers tax invoices to customers who give you their VAT number.

How long should design, writing and translation businesses keep invoices?

VAT records for 6 years, income tax records for 9 years and company records for 10 years, so plan for 10 years. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records stays with you.

Try Saldiqo for free

Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

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As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.