Essential Invoicing Skills for 2026 for Tech & Development
- Research international payment options: Before starting a project with an overseas client, investigate the most cost-effective and efficient payment methods for both parties. Compare fee structures across different providers.
- Stay updated on industry benchmarks: Regularly research what other tech professionals are charging in similar roles or for similar projects. Resources like Freelancers Union or industry-specific surveys can be helpful. This helps you price competitively and justify your rates.
- Review payment terms regularly: Ensure your payment terms (e.g., 15 days, 30 days) are appropriate for your cash flow needs and competitive within your niche. Communicate these terms clearly upfront. ## Choosing the Right Invoicing Software for 2026 The foundation of modern invoicing for tech and development professionals is the software you use. By 2026, relying solely on manually created spreadsheets or basic Word documents will be a significant disadvantage, if not entirely untenable. The right invoicing software saves time, reduces errors, ensures professionalism, and offers valuable insights into your financial health. The market is saturated with options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, so careful selection is key. When evaluating invoicing software, consider features that go beyond simple bill generation. For tech professionals, integration capabilities are crucial. Does it connect with your project management tools (like Asana, Jira, or Trello)? Can it sync with your accounting software (like Xero or QuickBooks)? Does it offer time tracking features, which are invaluable if you still bill hourly or need to track time for project milestones? The ability to generate invoices directly from tracked time or project expenses significantly reduces administrative overhead and potential for errors. Key features to look for include: 1. Customizable Templates: Professional, branded invoices are essential. The software should allow you to upload your logo, choose fonts, and tailor the layout to reflect your brand identity.
2. Recurring Invoicing & Subscriptions: If you offer maintenance packages, SaaS products, or retainer services, automated recurring invoices are a must. This feature ensures you never miss a payment and clients receive bills on schedule.
3. Multiple Currency Support: Critical for digital nomads and remote workers. The software should handle multiple currencies, ideally with automatic conversion at market rates or the ability to set custom rates.
4. Online Payment Gateways Integration: Direct integration with popular payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Wise allows clients to pay quickly and easily, often directly from the invoice itself. This significantly improves payment speed.
5. Expense Tracking: The ability to log and categorize business expenses, and optionally add them to invoices (if reimbursable), simplifies tax preparation and provides a clearer picture of profitability.
6. Reporting & Analytics: Beyond just sending invoices, the software should offer reports on outstanding payments, payment history, client profitability, and revenue trends. These insights are vital for financial planning and business analysis.
7. Client Portal: A dedicated portal where clients can view their invoices, payment history, and make payments can greatly enhance the client experience and reduce inquiries.
8. Automated Reminders & Follow-ups: This feature is a for reducing late payments. Automated, polite reminders sent at predefined intervals can significantly improve cash flow.
9. Tax Compliance Features: While not a substitute for professional tax advice, some software can help categorize income and expenses for tax purposes, and even generate basic tax reports. For those working across borders, this can be particularly important for tracking income sources. See our guide on tax essentials for digital nomads. Popular choices for freelancers and small businesses include FreshBooks, Wave Accounting (free, with paid add-ons), Harvest (excellent for time tracking), ZipBooks, and Zoho Invoice. Each has its merits, so testing a few with free trials before committing is a sensible approach. Consider your current scale, projected growth, and specific needs as a tech professional. For instance, a solo developer might be perfectly fine with Wave, while a small agency might find FreshBooks or Zoho more. ### Actionable Advice for Software Selection: * List your non-negotiables: Before looking, write down the 3-5 features you absolutely cannot live without.
- Consider scalability: Choose a platform that can grow with you. Migrating invoicing data is a headache you want to avoid later.
- Read reviews focused on freelancers/remote workers: Look for feedback from users who share a similar business model to yours.
- Prioritize integrations: Ensure it plays nicely with your other essential business tools, like your project management apps. ## Crafting Professional & Compliant Invoices An invoice is more than just a request for payment; it's a legal document and a representation of your professionalism. By 2026, the standard for clarity, detail, and compliance will only become more stringent, especially when dealing with international clients or tax authorities. A poorly structured or incomplete invoice can lead to delayed payments, confusion, and even legal complications. Every invoice you issue should contain a set of mandatory elements to be considered valid and professional. While specific requirements can vary slightly by jurisdiction, the following are generally considered best practices: 1. Your Accurate Business Information: Your full legal name or registered business name. Your business address (this is important for tax purposes, even if you're a digital nomad, you still have a primary business address). Your contact information (email, phone number). Your business registration number, ABN (Australia), VAT (EU), or other relevant tax identification number if applicable and required by law. 2. Client's Accurate Business Information: The full legal name of the client's company or individual. Their billing address. Their VAT number or other tax ID, if they are a business and you are required to include it (e.g., for intra-EU transactions). 3. Unique Invoice Number: Each invoice must have a sequential, unique identifier. This is crucial for record-keeping, avoiding duplicate payments, and tax audits. Many invoicing software solutions automate this. 4. Date of Issue: The date the invoice was generated. 5. Payment Due Date: Clearly state when payment is expected (e.g., "Due upon receipt," "Net 15," "Net 30"). 6. Detailed Description of Services/Products Rendered: For tech and development, this is crucial. Don't just say "Web Development." Instead, specify: "Phase 1: Backend API development for user authentication module." "Frontend UI/UX design for e-commerce product pages (30 hours)." "Bug fixing and performance optimization for mobile application (Ticket #ABC-123)." "Monthly retainer for cloud infrastructure management (January 2026)." Include quantities (e.g., hours, number of pages, features), unit price, and total for each item. 7. Subtotal, Taxes, Discounts, and Total Amount Due: Clearly differentiate between the service cost, any applicable sales tax, VAT, or other levies. If a discount was applied, show it clearly. The final amount due in the specified currency. 8. Currency: Always specify the currency of the invoice (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP). This prevents confusion, especially for international transactions. 9. Payment Instructions: Clear instructions on how to pay: bank transfer details (IBAN, SWIFT/BIC), PayPal link, Stripe payment portal, etc. Include all necessary details for smooth transaction processing. Consider linking to a payment portal if your invoicing software supports it. 10. Terms & Conditions / Special Notes: Any specific contractual terms, late payment penalties, refund policies, or other relevant information. This might include a link to your full terms of service. ### Compliance for Cross-Border Transactions: For digital nomads, compliance becomes particularly complex. You might be invoicing clients in different countries, each with their own tax laws. VAT (Value Added Tax): If you are operating from or invoicing clients in the EU, understanding VAT rules is critical. For B2B services, the "reverse charge mechanism" often applies, meaning the client is responsible for accounting for VAT in their country. However, you still need to indicate this correctly on your invoice. If you are selling B2C, specific VAT rules (like MOSS/OSS) apply. Always specify if VAT is included, excluded, or subject to reverse charge.
- Sales Tax: Similar to VAT, various countries and even states within countries (e.g., USA) have sales tax requirements. You need to know when and if you are required to collect and remit these.
- Permanent Establishment: Be aware of the concept of "permanent establishment." Spending too much time in one foreign country while conducting business could potentially make you liable for corporate taxes in that country, even if you're not a resident. This is a complex area and often requires expert advice.
- Currency Exchange: Clearly state whose responsibility it is to cover currency exchange fees and what exchange rate will be used if payment is made in a different currency than the invoice. Always consult with a tax professional specializing in international taxation for personalized advice, especially as your income grows or you work with clients in new regions. Resources like our guide on international tax for global freelancers can provide a starting point. ### Example Invoice Line Item: ```
Item: Custom Backend API Development - User Authentication Module
Description: Design, development, and testing of RESTful API endpoints for user registration, login, session management, and password reset functionalities. Includes implementation of OAuth2.0 token-based authentication and integration with existing database schema.
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: $3,500.00 (Project Price)
Total: $3,500.00
``` ```
Item: Monthly Managed Cloud Hosting & Support
Description: Proactive monitoring, security updates, performance optimization, and incident response for AWS EC2 instances and RDS database. Includes 10 hours of dedicated support. Period: Jan 1 - Jan 31, 2026.
Quantity: 1
Unit Price: $800.00 (Retainer)
Total: $800.00
``` ## Mastering Payment Terms and Follow-Up Strategies Issuing a perfect invoice is only half the battle; ensuring timely payment is the other, equally critical half. As a digital nomad or remote tech professional, your cash flow is your lifeline. Poorly defined payment terms or a lack of follow-up can lead to significant financial stress, impacting your ability to cover living expenses in Medellin or invest in new equipment. Mastering payment terms and implementing effective follow-up strategies are non-negotiable skills for financial health. ### Defining Clear Payment Terms: Your payment terms should be explicitly stated on every invoice and, ideally, included in your initial contract or statement of work. Clarity here prevents misunderstandings and provides a basis for follow-up if payments are delayed. Key considerations for payment terms: Payment Due Date: "Due upon receipt": For smaller tasks or new clients where immediate payment is preferred. "Net 15," "Net 30," "Net 60": Payment is due 15, 30, or 60 days from the invoice date. Net 30 is common, but for freelancers, faster terms like Net 15 are often desirable to maintain cash flow. Milestone Payments: For larger projects, break down the project into stages, with payments due upon the completion of each milestone. This reduces risk for both parties. For example, 30% upfront, 30% at phase 1 completion, 40% upon final delivery. This is very common in tech and development projects.
- Accepted Payment Methods: List all the ways clients can pay you (e.g., Bank Transfer, PayPal, Stripe, Wise, Credit Card via portal). Provide all necessary details for each method clearly on the invoice.
- Late Payment Fees: Clearly state your policy for overdue invoices. This might be a fixed fee or a percentage of the outstanding amount per period (e.g., "A late fee of 1.5% per month will be applied to overdue balances"). While you might not always enforce it, having it stated serves as a deterrent and a legal protection. Check local regulations on permissible late fees.
- Currency: Reiterate the currency of the invoice and stipulate who bears the cost of currency conversion if payment is made in another currency.
- Refund Policy: If applicable, briefly mention your refund or cancellation policy, or refer to your main terms and conditions document. Advice: Always discuss and agree on payment terms with your client before starting any work. Include these terms in your formal contract or service agreement. Transparency upfront builds trust and avoids disputes later. ### Effective Follow-Up Strategies: Even with clear terms, invoices can sometimes go unpaid. A systematic approach to follow-up is crucial. Your invoicing software can be a huge asset here through automated reminders. Automated Reminders (Pre-Due Date): Send a polite reminder a few days before* the due date. This acts as a gentle nudge and helps clients avoid forgetting. "Just a friendly reminder that Invoice #123 for [Project Name] will be due on [Date]."
- Automated Reminders (On Due Date): If payment hasn't been received, send another reminder on the due date itself. "This is a reminder that Invoice #123 for [Project Name] is due today."
- Gentle Overdue Reminder (1-3 Days Post-Due): A polite email or message checking in. "Hope you're well. Just wanted to follow up on Invoice #123, which was due on [Date]. Please let me know if there's any issue or if you require further assistance." Provide easy payment links again.
- Formal Overdue Notice (7-14 Days Post-Due): This email should be more direct, stating the overdue amount and any late fees that might now apply. Reiterate the urgency. "This is a formal reminder regarding overdue Invoice #123. The total amount of [Amount] was due on [Date] and is now [Number] days overdue. A late fee of [Fee Amount] has been applied, bringing the new total to [New Total]. Please remit payment immediately."
- escalated Communication (21-30+ Days Post-Due): If payment is still outstanding, it's time for more direct communication, possibly a phone call. If you have an account manager or a point of contact, reach out to them directly. If the client is a company, track down accounts payable or a relevant decision-maker. Clearly state potential consequences, such as halting work or pursuing collections, if payment isn't received by a specified date. At this point, you might consider engaging legal counsel or a collections agency, depending on the amount and jurisdiction.
- Maintain Records: Keep meticulous records of all communication regarding invoices and payments. Your invoicing software should log these interactions. This documentation is vital if a dispute arises. ### Best Practices for Follow-Up: * Be Polite but Firm: Your tone should always be professional. Avoid accusatory language.
- Provide Solutions: Offer to resend the invoice, clarify any details, or help with payment method issues.
- Make it Easy to Pay: Always include direct links to payment portals or clear bank details in your reminders.
- Understand Client Workflows: Larger companies might have specific days for processing payments. Ask about their accounts payable process upfront.
- Know When to Stop Work: If a client consistently delays payments, or a significant amount is overdue, be prepared to pause or terminate services. This should be explicitly stated in your contract. Financial protection is paramount. This can be a tough decision, but crucial for maintaining your business health. Read more on handling difficult clients. Effective payment terms and diligent follow-up are not just about getting paid; they're about demonstrating your value, protecting your business, and setting professional boundaries. ## Ensuring Data Security and Privacy in Invoicing In the tech and development world, data security isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental requirement. This principle extends directly to your invoicing practices. When you send and receive invoices, you're handling sensitive financial data for both yourself and your clients. By 2026, the expectations for data protection, driven by regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and evolving industry standards, will be higher than ever. Neglecting data security in your invoicing can lead to reputational damage, financial penalties, and even legal action. ### Why Invoicing Security Matters: * Protecting Client Data: Your invoices contain client names, addresses, tax IDs, and details about services rendered. Unauthorized access to this information could be used for phishing, identity theft, or competitive intelligence.
- Protecting Your Data: Your invoices also contain your banking details, tax ID, and income information. A breach could expose you to financial fraud or targeted attacks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Depending on where your clients are located and where you operate, various data protection laws (e.g., GDPR in the EU, CCPA in California) may apply. Non-compliance carries hefty fines. Our guide on GDPR for remote workers offers additional insights.
- Reputation: A data breach impacts trust. Clients in the tech and development sector are often highly aware of security risks; a lapse on your part can quickly cost you business. ### Key Aspects of Invoicing Data Security: 1. Secure Invoicing Software: Encryption: Ensure your chosen invoicing software uses encryption for data in transit (e.g., HTTPS/SSL for web-based access) and at rest (data stored on their servers). This is non-negotiable. Access Control: The software should have strong user authentication (e.g., two-factor authentication, strong password policies) and role-based access if multiple users are on the account. Data Backups & Recovery: The provider should clearly outline their data backup strategy and disaster recovery plan. Compliance Certifications: Look for software providers that adhere to relevant security standards (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2 compliance). Regular Security Audits: Reputable providers conduct regular security audits and penetration testing. 2. Secure Communication Channels: Avoid Email for Sensitive Info: While invoices are often sent via email, be cautious about including extremely sensitive payment details (like full bank account numbers) directly in unencrypted emails. Most modern invoicing software allows clients to access a secure portal or encrypted PDF. Secure Client Portals: If your software offers a client portal, encourage its use. These portals are designed to provide a secure environment for viewing invoices, making payments, and managing billing information. Encrypted File Sharing: If you need to share supporting documents with an invoice that contain highly sensitive data, use encrypted file-sharing services rather than regular email attachments. 3. Strong Password Practices: Unique Passwords: Use a unique, strong password for your invoicing software and any associated financial accounts. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts even if they have your password. 4. Regular Data Backups (Your Side): Even if your software backs up data, it's wise to periodically download and securely back up your invoice records locally or to an encrypted cloud storage service. This provides an additional layer of protection against vendor outages or data loss. 5. Device Security: Antivirus/Antimalware: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and all applications up-to-date. Firewall: Ensure your firewall is active. VPN: When working on public Wi-Fi (common for digital nomads in Bangkok or Hanoi), always use a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic. This protects against eavesdropping. Secure Devices: Only use trusted, password-protected devices for accessing financial information and invoicing. 6. Data Minimization: Only collect and store the data absolutely necessary for invoicing and tax compliance. The less sensitive data you hold, the lower the risk in case of a breach. 7. Privacy Policy: Have a clear privacy policy outlining how you collect, use, store, and protect client data. This not only builds trust but is also a legal requirement under many data protection regulations. Link to it from your website or business documents. ### Actionable Steps: Review your software's security policy: Before selecting or continuing with, an invoicing platform, read their security and privacy policies thoroughly.
- Implement 2FA everywhere: Make 2FA mandatory for all your financial and invoicing accounts.
- Educate your clients: Inform clients about the secure methods you use for invoicing and payments (e.g., "Please use our secure client portal for payments").
- Stay informed: Keep abreast of current cybersecurity threats and best practices. Follow reputable cybersecurity news sources. By proactively addressing data security and privacy in your invoicing practices, you not only protect yourself and your clients but also reinforce your reputation as a trustworthy and professional tech partner. ## Advanced Strategies: Automation and Integrations For tech and development professionals, efficiency is paramount. Manual tasks eat into valuable time that could be spent coding, designing, or strategizing. This is where automation and integrations in invoicing become truly transformative. By 2026, a truly effective invoicing system won't just generate a bill; it will be a highly interconnected part of your overall business infrastructure, minimizing manual intervention and maximizing accuracy. Automation refers to setting up rules and processes within your invoicing software to handle routine tasks without human input. Integrations involve connecting your invoicing software with other business tools, allowing data to flow seamlessly between them. ### Key Areas for Automation: 1. Recurring Invoices: As mentioned earlier, if you offer retainer services, hosting, ongoing maintenance, or SaaS products, automate these invoices. Most modern invoicing platforms allow you to set up templates, define billing cycles (monthly, quarterly, annually), and automatically send invoices to clients on schedule. This ensures consistent billing and reduces the chance of missed payments.
2. Payment Reminders: A polite, automated sequence of reminders before and after the due date can drastically reduce late payments. You can customize the timing and wording of these reminders within your software. This frees you from the awkwardness of manual follow-ups and ensures consistency.
3. Late Payment Penalties: If your terms include late fees, some advanced invoicing systems can automatically apply these to overdue invoices, sending revised invoices to clients. Always ensure the client is aware of this policy upfront.
4. Payment Reconciliation: When clients pay through integrated payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), the software often automatically marks the invoice as "paid" and reconciles the transaction in your books. This eliminates manual checking and data entry errors.
5. Report Generation: Automate weekly or monthly reports on cash flow, outstanding invoices, and client profitability. These automated insights can help you make informed business decisions without spending hours compiling data. ### Key Integrations for Tech & Development Professionals: The true power comes from connecting your invoicing system to other tools in your tech stack. 1. Time Tracking Software: Why it's crucial: If you bill hourly or track time against project milestones, direct integration with tools like Harvest, Toggl, or Clockify is invaluable. Benefits: Instead of manually transferring hours, the integration allows you to pull tracked time directly into an invoice, creating accurate and transparent billing details. This is especially useful for sprints or iterative development cycles. Example scenario: A freelance developer completes a task logged in Toggl. With one click, those hours are converted into billable line items in their FreshBooks invoice. 2. Project Management Tools: Why it's crucial: For tracking project progress, tasks, and potential milestones. Tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com. Benefits: Some integrations allow you to generate invoices based on completed project milestones within your PM tool, or even to link expenses directly to projects that can then be itemized on an invoice. You can often see which projects are generating the most revenue. Example scenario: A development sprint marked as "completed" in Asana automatically triggers a partial payment invoice for that milestone. 3. Accounting Software: Why it's crucial: Essential for managing your overall financial health, tax preparation, and understanding profitability. Popular options include QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Wave Accounting. Benefits: Invoices created in your invoicing software are pushed directly to your accounting ledger, categorizing income and expenses. This streamlines tax reporting and provides a view of your finances. This linkage is vital for year-end tax filings in your home country (e.g., USA, UK) or wherever you are a tax resident. Example scenario: Every paid invoice in Zoho Invoice automatically creates an income entry in Xero, keeping your books balanced without manual input. 4. CRM (Client Relationship Management) Systems: Why it's crucial: For managing client interactions, sales pipelines, and historical communication. Benefits: While less common for direct invoice generation, CRM integrations can link invoices to client profiles, giving you a complete overview of a client's financial history alongside their communication and project details. This is particularly useful for growth and understanding client value. 5. Payment Gateways: Why it's crucial: The most fundamental integration. Stripe, PayPal, Wise, Payoneer. Benefits: Enables clients to pay directly from the invoice link, ensures secure transactions, automates payment confirmation, and facilitates currency conversion when working with international clients. This dramatically reduces friction in the payment process. See our detailed guide on international payment options for more information. ### Considerations for Implementing Automation & Integrations: Setup Time: While the long-term benefits are huge, initial setup can take time. Plan for this.
- Cost: While some integrations are free, others might require a higher-tier subscription for your invoicing or other software. Weigh the cost against the time saved.
- Complexity: Start with the most impactful integrations first (e.g., time tracking and accounting). You don't need to automate every single process from day one.
- "Set and Forget" is Dangerous: Automation still requires occasional monitoring to ensure everything is working as expected and rules are still relevant. By embracing automation and strategic integrations, you transform invoicing from a standalone administrative task into a powerful, interconnected engine that drives efficiency, accuracy, and profitability for your tech and development business. This allows you to focus on what you do best: building amazing tech. ## Managing Multiple Currencies and International Payments As a digital nomad or remote tech professional, the world is your oyster – and your client base. This global reach brings incredible opportunities but also introduces the complexity of managing multiple currencies and navigating international payment systems. By 2026, a solid understanding of these mechanics will be non-negotiable for anyone looking to scale their remote tech business and retain clients from diverse geographical locations. Invoicing effectively across borders requires precision, awareness of fees, and strategic choices. ### Key Challenges in International Invoicing: 1. Currency Fluctuations: Exchange rates are constantly changing. If you invoice in a foreign currency but need to convert it to your home currency for expenses, a sudden shift can reduce your expected income.
2. Bank Transfer Fees: Traditional wire transfers can be expensive, with fees charged by both the sending and receiving banks, plus potential intermediary bank fees.
3. Payment Gateway Fees: While convenient, services like PayPal and Stripe also charge fees, which can include a percentage of the transaction, fixed fees, and currency conversion markups.
4. Speed of Transactions: International bank transfers can take several business days, impacting your cash flow.
5. Tax Implications: Different countries have different rules regarding how income received in foreign currencies is taxed, and how currency exchange gains or losses are treated.
6. Client Preferences: Clients might have preferred payment methods that you need to accommodate. ### Strategies for Managing Multiple Currencies: * Invoice in Your Preferred Currency: Whenever possible, invoice clients in your primary operating currency (e.g., USD, EUR). This shifts the currency conversion burden and risk to the client. However, this isn't always feasible or client-friendly.
- Invoice in Client's Local Currency: If the client prefers to pay in their local currency, ensure your invoicing software can handle this. Be clear in your terms about whose responsibility it is to cover conversion fees and what exchange rate will be applied (e.g., the rate at the time of invoice issue, or the rate applied by the payment processor).
- Use Multi-Currency Bank Accounts: Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) Business, Revolut Business, or other challenger banks allow you to open virtual bank accounts in multiple currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP). This lets you receive payments in the client's local currency without immediate conversion, holding it until an advantageous exchange rate appears or spending it directly in that currency. This also often reduces inbound transaction fees.
- Factor in Exchange Rate Risk: For large, long-term projects, consider building a small buffer into your pricing to account for potential adverse currency movements, or discuss mechanisms for exchange rate adjustments with your client. ### Choosing the Right International Payment Methods: The choice of payment method directly impacts fees, speed, and ease of use for both you and your client. 1. Wise (formerly TransferWise): Pros: Known for low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. Excellent for large transfers. Offers multi-currency accounts with local banking details in several countries. Funds often arrive quickly. Cons: Not all clients are familiar with it. Best for: Bank transfers, receiving payments from international clients with minimal fees, holding foreign currencies. 2. PayPal: Pros: Widely recognized and easy for many clients to use. Instant payments between PayPal accounts. Cons: Higher transaction fees, especially for international payments and currency conversion, making it less cost-effective for larger amounts. Funds can sometimes be held. Best for: Smaller payments, clients who insist on using PayPal, or when speed is paramount for smaller sums. 3. Stripe: Pros: Excellent for accepting credit card payments directly via your invoicing software's payment portal. Good for a professional checkout experience. Competitive fees for credit card processing. Cons: Can be more complex to set up. Requires a merchant account or specific integrations. Best for: Offering clients the convenience of credit card payments, integrating with e-commerce platforms, recurring payments. 4. Payoneer: Pros: Similar to Wise, offers multi-currency accounts and receiving accounts in various currencies. Good for receiving payments from global marketplaces and direct clients. Lower fees than PayPal for certain transactions.