luckpandaHow to use the UK invoice
- Enter your business name, address and company number.
- Add your VAT number if registered, and the customer's details.
- List the work with quantity, price and VAT rate on each line.
- Save it; sign in to issue it with the next invoice number.
UK invoice requirements, with and without VAT
Sole traders show their own name as well as any business name they trade under. Limited companies show their full registered company name and, if they name any director on the invoice, they must name all of them.
| Detail | Not VAT registered | VAT registered |
|---|---|---|
| Unique invoice number | Yes | Yes |
| Business name and address | Yes | Yes |
| Customer name and address | Yes | Yes |
| Supply date and invoice date | Yes | Yes, plus the time of supply if different |
| VAT registration number | No | Yes |
| VAT rate and VAT per line | No | Yes |
| Totals | Amount due | Net, VAT and gross |
Worked example
A design company invoices a client for a 2-day workshop at £750 a day and 12 hours of follow-up research at £85 an hour. Net total £2,520.00, VAT at 20% £504.00, total due £3,024.00. Show the net, VAT and gross amounts, and the VAT rate against each line.
Company details on invoices
A limited company must show its full registered name on invoices. Its registered number, the part of the UK where it is registered and its registered office must appear on business letters, order forms and websites, and most companies put them in the invoice footer too.