How to create invoices in Shopify
Many new Shopify stores assume Shopify creates invoices on its own. It does not. Shopify sends an order confirmation, but a complete invoice under Dutch or Belgian rules is a different thing. Here are your options.
What Shopify does by default
After an order, Shopify emails the customer an order confirmation with products, prices, shipping and, if you set it up, VAT. What is usually missing for a valid invoice:
- its own sequential invoice number (the order number is not meant for that);
- your VAT number and, in the Netherlands, your KvK number;
- a business customer's VAT number;
- the legal note for reverse charge or an intra-Community supply;
- a credit note when you refund;
- a structured e-invoice (Peppol) for Belgian business customers.
The full list is in invoice requirements in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Your options
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Order Printer (free app by Shopify) | Printing an invoice or packing slip from a template. | Templates are edited in HTML and Liquid. Its listing does not mention VAT number checks, credit notes or Peppol. See PeppolKit vs Order Printer. |
| General invoice apps | Creating and emailing invoice PDFs automatically. | Features vary a lot by app and plan. See for example PeppolKit vs Sufio. |
| Accounting software with a Shopify connector | Invoices and bookkeeping in one place. | Depends on the connector: not every one creates an invoice per order or sends via Peppol. |
| By hand | Very low volumes. | Error-prone, slow, and awkward for refunds. |
What to look for
- Is the invoice created automatically for every paid order?
- Does the app check VAT numbers in VIES and adjust the VAT treatment (reverse charge, OSS, export)?
- Does a refund automatically produce a credit note?
- Can you send to Belgian businesses via Peppol? Mandatory for Belgian VAT-registered sellers since 1 January 2026.
- Which invoice languages? For Belgian customers, Dutch and French help.
- How does your accountant get the invoices?
How PeppolKit does it
- A customer checks out. Business customers enter their VAT number, checked live in VIES in the cart.
- For every paid order PeppolKit creates a sequentially numbered invoice with the right VAT treatment: domestic, reverse charge, OSS or export.
- The customer gets a PDF in English, Dutch or French. Business customers with a Peppol address also get a Peppol BIS 3.0 invoice over the Peppol network.
- When you refund, PeppolKit creates a credit note automatically.
- Every month you download a ZIP with all invoices and credit notes for your accountant.
Start free with 10 invoices a month. Paid plans are $9 (50 invoices), $19 (500) or $39 (unlimited) a month, with a 14-day trial. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Shopify create invoices?
Not by default. Shopify sends an order confirmation. For an invoice with all required details you need an app, an Order Printer template or a connected accounting package.
Is the Shopify order confirmation a valid invoice?
Usually not: it often lacks required details such as an invoice number, your VAT number and, for business customers, theirs.
Can I use Shopify Order Printer?
Yes, for simple invoices you print or save as PDF. You set up the template yourself; its listing does not mention VAT number checks, credit notes or Peppol.
Do I need Peppol?
If you are VAT-registered in Belgium and sell to Belgian businesses, yes: since 1 January 2026. For consumers and for Dutch stores, Peppol is not (yet) mandatory.
Invoices that are right, automatically.
Install PeppolKit: a correct invoice for every paid order, including via Peppol.
Install in Shopify Start free with 10 invoices a month.An explanation for orientation, not tax advice. Rules depend on your situation; check with your accountant or your tax authority.