# Change Order Template

> Enter the original contract and any earlier changes, then list each change as added work or a credit. The change order totals the additions and credits, shows the net change and the revised contract total, notes the extra days and leaves a line for the client to sign. Here the net change is $2,950.00.

Canonical: https://receiptscanner.co/tools/change-order-template
Updated: 2026-10-28 · Sources re-checked by: 2027-04-28

This is a free interactive calculator that runs in the browser. Nothing you type is stored or sent. Results are estimates.

## How it works

Additions = the sum of items that add to the contract. Credits = the sum of items that remove work. Net change = additions − credits, which can be negative. Revised contract total = original contract + earlier approved changes + this net change. Schedule change = days added. A change order does not ask for payment by itself: the money is billed later on a progress or final invoice at the revised price.

**Revised contract total, step by step (example)**

| Line | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Original contract | $50,000.00 |
| Earlier approved changes | $3,200.00 |
| This change order, net | $2,950.00 |
| Revised contract total | $56,150.00 |

**What every change order should state**

| Part | Why it matters |
| --- | --- |
| What changes, in plain words | So the client can see exactly what they are approving |
| Price effect, added or credited | Shows the cost before any work starts |
| Revised contract total | Keeps a running total across several changes |
| Schedule effect in days | Extra work often moves the finish date |
| Signatures and date | Proof that both sides agreed before the work began |

## Worked example: a $50,000 contract with two additions and one credit

1. Additions: electrical $1,150.00 + tile floor $2,400.00 = $3,550.00.
2. Credit: garage door opener removed, $600.00.
3. Net change: $3,550.00 − $600.00 = $2,950.00.
4. Revised contract total: $50,000.00 + $3,200.00 earlier changes + $2,950.00 = $56,150.00.
5. Schedule: 4 days added to the finish date.

## FAQ

### What is a change order?
A signed record that changes the original contract, usually its price, its schedule or both. It lists what changed, what it costs and the new totals.

### When do I need a change order?
Any time the work differs from the contract: extra work, removed work, new materials or a different finish date. Get it signed before the extra work starts.

### How do I handle a credit?
Add an item and choose Credit. It subtracts from the net change, and if the credits are bigger than the additions the net change shows as a negative number.

### Does a change order replace the contract?
No. It amends it. The notes say that all other terms stay the same, and each change order builds on the revised total of the one before.

### Should the client sign it?
Yes, and date it. The signature line is ticked on this page. A signed change order helps avoid disputes about price and time later.

### Is a change order an invoice?
No. It approves a change. You bill the extra work later on a progress or final invoice at the revised contract price.

### How is sales tax handled on a change order?
Tick Charge tax on the items that are taxable where you work, usually materials, and enter the rate. Tax is added to taxed additions and taken back on taxed credits. The revised contract total stays before the tax on this change, so it compares with the original amount. Check your local rules for what is taxable.

## Sources


This tool makes a document for your records and your clients. It is not tax or legal advice and it does not create an official e-invoice for any tax authority. Check the rules where you work.