Is a proforma invoice a real invoice?

No. It commits you to a price but does not request payment and is not recorded as a sale. You issue a normal invoice once the goods or services are actually supplied.

Can I claim tax back on a proforma invoice?

Generally no — most tax authorities require a proper tax invoice to reclaim input tax, and a proforma is not one. Treat it as a commitment, and issue the real invoice on supply.

Why do customs want a proforma invoice?

To value the shipment before it arrives. That is why the description and unit values matter more here than on any other document in this set — vague lines cause delays.

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About this document

A proforma invoice looks like an invoice but is not a demand for payment and does not go in your sales ledger. It is sent before supply — to confirm a price, to let a buyer raise a purchase order or arrange payment, and very often to accompany goods through customs on an international shipment.

Because customs may read it, be specific: describe the goods properly, give quantities and unit values, and state the currency and the delivery terms. "Consulting" will not clear a border; "12 × printed cotton tote bags, 200gsm" will.

What goes on a proforma invoice

The words "Proforma invoice", and a note that it is not a demand for payment
A reference number and the date
Seller and buyer, with full addresses
A precise description of the goods or services, with quantities and unit prices
The currency, stated explicitly
How long the price holds
Delivery terms, and the shipping address if it differs

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and by the kind of work you do — check with your own accountant or tax authority if anything is unclear.

Questions

Is a proforma invoice a real invoice?: No. It commits you to a price but does not request payment and is not recorded as a sale. You issue a normal invoice once the goods or services are actually supplied.
Can I claim tax back on a proforma invoice?: Generally no — most tax authorities require a proper tax invoice to reclaim input tax, and a proforma is not one. Treat it as a commitment, and issue the real invoice on supply.
Why do customs want a proforma invoice?: To value the shipment before it arrives. That is why the description and unit values matter more here than on any other document in this set — vague lines cause delays.