What a proforma invoice is used for
Proforma invoices are most common in trade. A buyer abroad often needs one to arrange payment before shipping, to apply for an import licence or a letter of credit at their bank, or to get a customs valuation in advance. Inside the UAE they are used to request an advance payment or deposit, to get a purchase order approved by the buyer's finance team, or to show a bank or free zone authority what a deal is worth. In each case the proforma sets out the full commercial terms: what is being sold, at what price, in what currency, and until when the offer stands.
Proforma invoice vs tax invoice
A proforma invoice is not a demand for payment in the accounting sense and it is not a tax invoice. It does not record a sale in your books, and your customer cannot use it to recover input VAT. When the supply actually happens, or when you receive a payment, you issue a proper tax invoice for it. That is why every proforma from this generator is titled "Proforma Invoice" and carries a printed note saying it is not a tax invoice, even if you enter your TRN.
What to include on a proforma
Include your full business name and address, the buyer's name and address, a unique proforma number and date, a clear description of each item with quantity and unit price, the currency, any VAT that will be charged, the total, and how long the prices are valid. For exports, add the payment terms, the delivery terms such as an Incoterm, and the bank details for an advance payment in the notes box. A short validity period protects you from price and exchange-rate changes.