How to create an invoice in United Kingdom
A practical checklist for United Kingdom: required fields, VAT wording, GBP amounts, numbering and payment terms.
Businesses in United Kingdom issue invoices that follow a recognisable format. This guide lists what a document should include, the tax terminology customers expect, and the conventions that help an invoice get approved and paid quickly.
What a United Kingdom invoice usually includes
- Supplier name and address
- VAT registration number
- Unique invoice number and issue date
- Description, quantity and unit price
- VAT rate and amount
- Total payable
Field by field
This generator preconfigures United Kingdom conventions: the GBP currency, the VAT label, DD/MM/YYYY dates and A4 paper size. You enter your details and line items; it calculates subtotal, discounts, tax and the grand total, then renders a print-ready PDF entirely in your browser.
- Postal code: Postcode
- Tax rates: VAT — VAT number
- Currency: GBP (£)
- Invoice date: DD/MM/YYYY
- Paper size: A4
Invoice numbering
Default numbering pattern: INV-2026-0042. A valid VAT number and a unique sequential invoice number are expected on VAT invoices.
Tax terminology: VAT
Invoices are labelled with the terminology United Kingdom businesses expect. Presets are provided as a starting point and are not tax advice.
- Standard rate: 20%
- Reduced rate: 5%
- Zero rate: 0%
UK prices are normally displayed inclusive of VAT; VAT is still broken out on the invoice.
Payment practice
Common payment terms used in United Kingdom: Due on receipt, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, End of month. Always state a due date, and ask customers to quote the invoice number as the payment reference.
Invoicing notes for United Kingdom
VAT invoices need specific details
If you are VAT registered, HMRC expects your VAT number, a unique invoice number, tax point and VAT breakdown.
Prices are usually VAT-inclusive
UK businesses commonly quote gross prices, so the invoice shows the VAT element extracted from the total.
Companies House details
Limited companies often add their company number and registered office address to the invoice footer.
Frequently asked questions
Is this invoice generator free for businesses in United Kingdom?
Yes — free, unlimited and without an account. GBP formatting, VAT labels and DD/MM/YYYY dates are preconfigured for United Kingdom.
Does the PDF use the right paper size?
Yes, A4 is preselected for United Kingdom, and you can switch between A4 and Letter at any time.
Are the tax presets accurate?
Presets are informational starting points. Tax obligations depend on your situation — verify current rates with a qualified professional before issuing a tax invoice.
Can I save and reuse an invoice?
Yes. Save a draft in this browser, duplicate it next month, or export and re-import the invoice as JSON.
Is my customer's data uploaded?
No. Everything is calculated and rendered in your browser; nothing is sent to a server to build the PDF.
Designed for common invoicing practices in United Kingdom. Requirements may vary by business, transaction type and jurisdiction. Please verify local requirements with a qualified professional.