Invoicing in the United Kingdom
What a UK invoice has to say on its face
The generator below opens with the United Kingdom's own labels, currency and number format already set. First, the part that is not about software.
Required on the document
- The words “VAT invoice”, if you are VAT registered — HMRC treats the title as part of what makes the document a VAT invoice.
- Your VAT registration number, in full, on the face of the document.
- A unique, sequential invoice number. HMRC expects the sequence to have no gaps you cannot explain.
- The tax point (the “time of supply”) where it differs from the invoice date.
- The rate charged and the VAT amount in sterling, even when the invoice itself is in another currency.
The one that costs money
A VAT invoice missing the registration number is not a valid VAT invoice, and your customer cannot reclaim the VAT on it. They will ask you to reissue, and some will hold payment until you do.
The rate
The UK standard rate is 20%, with reduced rates of 5% and 0% for particular supplies. Which applies to your work is a question about your work, not about this page.
That is the standard rate as a matter of public record. Whether it is the rate for your work, and whether you are registered at all, are questions about your business — this page does not know, the app does not look it up, and neither will guess.