Self-employed invoice template
A plain invoice for sole traders and freelancers who do not charge VAT. Tax is switched off, so the PDF shows your lines and one total.
Your invoices
Each invoice you download is listed here, so you can mark it paid, reuse it for next month or fix a typo. The list is kept in this browser only.
What a sole trader’s invoice should include
UK government guidance says an invoice must have:
- a unique identification number
- your name or business name, address and contact details
- the name and address of the customer you are invoicing
- a clear description of what you are charging for
- the date the goods or service were provided
- the date of the invoice
- the amount being charged and the total owed
If you use a trading name, also include your own name. The form above covers each of these. Put the date you did the work in the description if it differs from the invoice date.
See invoicing and taking payment from customers on GOV.UK for the current guidance.
If you register for VAT later
Once your VAT registration takes effect, tick “Add tax to this invoice”, enter your VAT number under Your business and switch to the VAT invoice template. Your saved details, clients and invoice numbers carry on as before.
Keeping records for your tax return
Keep a copy of every invoice you send. The PDFs you download are your copies, so save them in one folder for the tax year. Your invoices are also listed on this site under Your invoices, but that list lives in your browser, so export a backup now and then.
Questions
Can I invoice without being a limited company?
Yes. Sole traders invoice in their own name or a trading name. You do not need a company number.
Do I have to put my address on the invoice?
If you trade under a business name, UK guidance says the invoice should give your own name and an address where legal documents can be delivered to you.
What should I write instead of VAT?
Nothing. Leave tax switched off and the invoice will show a single total. Do not add a VAT line or VAT number if you are not registered.