What is a subtotal?
The subtotal is the sum of all line items before tax, discounts, deposits, or fees are applied. It's the anchor of the invoice math: everything else — sales tax, early-payment discounts, the deposit credit — is calculated from or subtracted from it. Always show it as its own line so the arithmetic is checkable.
In practice
Line items total $1,025 (subtotal). Less 10% discount ($102.50), plus 8% tax on $922.50 ($73.80) = $996.30 due. Without the subtotal line, the client can't verify the math.
Math that checks itself
Billia computes subtotals, discounts, and tax automatically — no calculator needed.
Create an invoice — freeFrequently asked questions
Is the subtotal before or after discounts?
Before. Order of operations: line items → subtotal → discounts → tax on the discounted amount → deposits/credits → total due.
Do I need to show a subtotal on a simple invoice?
Yes — even a one-line invoice benefits. It separates 'what the work cost' from 'what tax and adjustments did,' which clients and accountants both want to see.
Is subtotal the same as the total?
No. Subtotal is the pre-tax, pre-discount sum; the total (amount due) is what the client actually pays after everything is applied.