UK Invoice Template — Requirements & Free Generator
A UK invoice must show the word “Invoice”, a unique sequential number, your business name and address, the customer’s name and address, the invoice date, a clear description of what’s supplied, and the total. If you’re VAT-registered you must also show your VAT number and the VAT rate and amount.
What a UK invoice must include
| Must include | Detail |
|---|---|
| The word “Invoice” | Plus a unique, sequential invoice number |
| Your business | Name and address (a limited company must use its registered name) |
| The customer | Name and address you’re billing |
| Dates | The invoice date (and supply date if different) |
| Line items | A clear description, quantity and price for each |
| Totals | The total owed; if VAT-registered, the VAT rate and amount too |
| VAT number | Required only if you are VAT-registered |
VAT: when you actually need it
You only charge and show VAT if your business is VAT-registered. Registration is compulsory once your VAT-taxable turnover passes the threshold (currently £90,000 in a 12-month period); below that it’s optional. The standard VAT rate is 20%. If you’re not registered, don’t show or charge VAT and don’t put a VAT number on the invoice.
Sole trader vs limited company
A sole trader can invoice under their own name or a trading name. A limited company must show its full registered company name; showing the company registration number is good practice. Both need the core fields above.
Create your UK invoice free
Our free invoice generator runs in your browser — set the currency to GBP (£), add your details and items, and download a clean PDF. No signup, no watermark. Prefer a file? Grab a free invoice template, or see an invoice example.
Invoicing in another country?
This is general information, not tax or legal advice — rules and thresholds change, so confirm the current requirements with GOV.UK / HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be VAT-registered to send an invoice?
No. You can invoice as a sole trader or company without VAT registration. You only register (and add VAT) once your turnover passes the threshold, or if you choose to voluntarily.
Do I have to show VAT on my invoice?
Only if you’re VAT-registered. Then you show your VAT number and the VAT rate and amount. If you’re not registered, leave VAT off entirely.
What is the UK VAT rate?
The standard rate is 20%. Some goods and services are reduced-rate (5%) or zero-rated, and some are exempt.
Do UK invoices need an invoice number?
Yes. Every invoice needs a unique number that follows a sequence, so your records reconcile and nothing is duplicated.
Written by the FreeBillKit team. Last reviewed July 2026.