What needs to be on an invoice in the UK?
If you run a UK small business, use this checklist as a practical starting point for the information your invoices should contain.
UK invoice checklist
- A unique invoice number
- Your business name and contact details
- The customer's name and address
- The invoice date
- The date the goods or services were supplied
- A clear description of the goods or services
- The amount charged for each item or service
- The total amount due
- VAT details where VAT rules apply
Exact requirements can depend on whether you are a sole trader or limited company, whether you are VAT registered and whether CIS applies to the work.
What needs to be on an invoice in the UK?
A UK invoice should clearly identify the seller and customer, use a unique invoice number, show the invoice date and supply date, describe the goods or services, show the amounts charged and state the total due. Your business structure and VAT status can add further requirements.
What should a sole trader put on an invoice?
Alongside the normal invoice details, a sole trader should use their own name and any business name they trade under, together with an address where legal documents can be delivered if a business name is used.
What should a limited company put on an invoice?
A limited company invoice should show the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation. Company documents commonly also show the registered office address and company number.
What extra information goes on a VAT invoice?
VAT-registered businesses must include the information required for the relevant type of VAT invoice, including the VAT registration number and appropriate VAT amounts and rates. Requirements vary for full, simplified and modified VAT invoices.
What is a CIS invoice?
For work covered by the Construction Industry Scheme, keeping labour and materials clearly separated helps the contractor calculate and record any applicable CIS deduction from the labour element.
How do I record a cash payment?
Record the amount received, date, customer and the invoice or work the payment relates to. Issuing a receipt gives both parties a clear payment record.
How can I keep track of unpaid invoices?
Keep each invoice's payment status current so paid, outstanding and overdue invoices can be identified quickly and followed up when necessary.
Create and keep track of your invoices
In The Middle brings invoice creation, customer records, payment tracking and VAT/CIS tools together in one workspace.
Invoice software for tradespeople · VAT & CIS invoicing · Payment tracking