VAT invoice template
An invoice for VAT-registered UK businesses. Tax is switched on at the standard rate, and the PDF shows the net amount, the VAT and the total separately.
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 UK VAT invoice must show
If you are registered for VAT, HMRC expects a full VAT invoice to include:
- a unique invoice number that follows on from the last one
- your business name, address and VAT registration number
- the date of the invoice, and the time of supply if it is different
- your customer’s name and address
- a description of the goods or services
- for each item: the quantity, the unit price before VAT and the rate of VAT
- the total before VAT, the total VAT and the amount due
Enter your VAT number in the “VAT or tax number” box under Your business. It appears under your address on the PDF and is saved for every invoice after this one.
VAT rules change and have exceptions. Check the current requirements on GOV.UK or with your accountant. This page is general information, not tax advice.
Changing the rate
The template starts at 20%. If what you sell is charged at a different rate, type that rate in the “Rate %” box. If a sale is zero-rated, enter 0 so the invoice still shows the VAT line.
Reverse charge for construction
If you supply building services to another VAT-registered business in the construction industry, the domestic reverse charge may apply, which means your customer accounts for the VAT. Tick “Show a CIS deduction”, then “VAT domestic reverse charge applies”. The invoice will show the VAT as not charged and add the wording HMRC asks for. See the CIS invoice template.
Questions
Can I charge VAT if I am not registered?
No. Only VAT-registered businesses can charge VAT or show a VAT number. If you are not registered, use the self-employed invoice template.
How do I show different VAT rates on one invoice?
This template applies one rate to the whole invoice. If a job mixes rates, the simplest approach is a separate invoice for each rate.
What is a tax point?
It is the date the sale is treated as happening for VAT, also called the time of supply. It is usually the invoice date. If it is different, add it to the notes.