diff --git a/src/routes/settings.import.tsx b/src/routes/settings.import.tsx
index 5873da6..bf92579 100644
--- a/src/routes/settings.import.tsx
+++ b/src/routes/settings.import.tsx
@@ -969,9 +969,13 @@ function ImportPage() {
           }
         }
 
-        // Mark as already invoiced via placeholder voided invoice (per client)
-        if (clientId && !row.invoice_id) {
-          const invId = await ensurePreInvoicedInvoice(clientId, caseId);
+        // Link to a real invoice ONLY when the source row provided an
+        // invoice number. Otherwise leave invoice_id null so the user can
+        // bill these items normally later.
+        const invNumber = row._invoice ? String(row._invoice).trim() : "";
+        delete row._invoice;
+        if (invNumber && clientId && !row.invoice_id) {
+          const invId = await ensureNamedInvoice(clientId, caseId, invNumber);
           if (invId) row.invoice_id = invId;
         }