Refund Credit Note Template
Document a refund against an invoice — referenced, clear and in a professional PDF.
100% freeNo signupNo watermarkInstant PDF download
Credit Note
How to write a refund credit note
A refund credit note records money you are giving back to a customer against an invoice they already paid. It is the paperwork that keeps the refund clean in your books: the invoice stays, and the credit note shows exactly what was returned and why.
This template opens with itemised lines. Reference the paid invoice, list the amount being refunded, note the method, and download a PDF credit note to send with the refund.
What to include
- “Credit Note” label with its own number and date
- A reference to the paid invoice number and date
- The item(s) and amount being refunded, with tax
- The refund method (card, bank transfer, store credit)
- The reason for the refund
Note: Refunded to the original payment method · references the paid invoice
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a credit note to give a refund?
It is best practice. The credit note is the accounting document that offsets the original invoice and records the refund cleanly, so your revenue and tax reconcile. The actual money-back happens via your payment method.
Should the refund credit note show tax?
Yes — if the original invoice included tax, the credit note reverses the proportional tax too, so your tax records stay correct.
Is the refund credit note template free?
Yes — create and download it with no account.
Is this credit note generator free?
Yes — CalculatorAI's credit note generator is completely free. Create, customise and download as many professional PDF credit notes as you want, with no signup, no watermark and no trial limit. A free account adds saved clients, history and the Invoices Tracker.
What is a credit note and when do I issue one?
A credit note (or credit memo) is a document that cancels or reduces an amount on an invoice you already sent — for a return, cancellation, overcharge or post-invoice discount. It references the original invoice and is either applied against the buyer’s account or refunded.
Keep credit notes and invoices in one place
A credit note cancels or reduces an invoice you already sent. The Invoices Tracker keeps your invoices, credit notes and what each client still owes together — so your books always reconcile.
Open the Invoices Tracker