UK Invoice Creator — With VAT at 20% Built In
Create professional invoices for United Kingdom. Pre-configured with GBP, VAT at 20%, and the fields UK tax authorities expect — no signup required.
How to Create an Invoice for United Kingdom
Our UK invoice creator is pre-configured with GBP currency, 20% VAT, and all fields required for HMRC compliance. Enter your business details, client information, and line items — the tool calculates VAT and formats your invoice to UK standards. Include your VAT registration number if you're VAT-registered, your company registration number if you're a limited company, and a unique sequential invoice number.
What to Include on a UK Invoice
A UK invoice must include your business name and address, your VAT registration number (if VAT-registered), the client's name and address, a unique sequential invoice number, the invoice date and tax point, a description of goods or services, the net amount, the VAT rate and amount, and the gross total. For VAT invoices over £250, you must also include the quantity and unit price of goods or services. Limited companies must show the company registration number.
Tips for UK Invoicing
Keep your invoice numbering sequential — HMRC requires it. If you're VAT-registered, issue VAT invoices within 30 days of the supply date. Keep records of all invoices for at least 6 years. Use the flat-rate VAT scheme if your turnover is below £150,000 — it simplifies bookkeeping. Always check whether your client is VAT-registered, as reverse charge may apply for certain B2B services and construction work.
Quick definitions
- VAT
- Value-Added Tax — UK consumption tax. Standard rate 20%, reduced 5%, zero-rated 0%. Charge it only if your business is VAT-registered.
- VAT registration threshold
- Mandatory VAT registration once taxable turnover exceeds £85,000 in any rolling 12-month period.
- Reverse charge
- For B2B services to VAT-registered EU businesses (and certain construction services), the buyer accounts for VAT instead of the seller. Note 'Reverse charge applies' on the invoice.
- Tax point
- The date a supply is treated as taking place for VAT purposes — usually the invoice date or supply date, whichever is earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to charge VAT on UK invoices?
You must charge VAT if your business is VAT-registered (mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds £85,000). The standard rate is 20%, with reduced rates of 5% for some goods and services, and 0% for others (children's clothing, books, most food). If you're not VAT-registered, you cannot charge VAT.
What are the UK invoice legal requirements?
UK invoices must include a unique identification number, your company name and address, the customer's name and address, a description of goods/services, the date of issue, the amount due, and VAT details if applicable. Limited companies must also show the company registration number. HMRC has additional requirements for full VAT invoices over £250.
What payment terms are standard in the UK?
Net 30 is the most common term. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 entitles businesses to charge statutory interest of 8% + Bank of England base rate on overdue B2B invoices, plus a fixed compensation amount (£40–£100 depending on debt size). Payment terms should be agreed in advance and clearly stated on the invoice.
What is the UK reverse-charge VAT rule?
Reverse charge shifts VAT accounting from the supplier to the customer. It applies to B2B services to VAT-registered businesses in the EU, certain construction services within the UK CIS scheme, and specific high-fraud sectors (mobile phones, computer chips). The invoice should note: "Reverse charge: customer to account for VAT to HMRC."
Do I need a UK invoice for sole-trader work?
Yes — every business transaction should produce an invoice for both record-keeping and HMRC compliance. Sole traders can invoice in their own name without a company registration. Include your name, address, UTR if your client requests it, the supply date, and a unique sequential number. VAT only appears if you're voluntarily or mandatorily registered.
How long must UK businesses keep invoice records?
HMRC requires you to keep VAT records for at least 6 years (or 10 years if you use the VAT MOSS scheme). Limited companies must keep accounting records for 6 years from the end of the financial year. Self-employed sole traders must keep records for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year.
Need more than a one-time UK invoice?
InvoiceQuickly tracks payments, sends reminders, and automates your invoicing workflow. It handles UK tax compliance automatically.
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