What must an invoice include in the UK?
For a standard UK invoice, GOV.UK says you must include a unique identification number; your company name, address and contact information; the customer’s company name and address; a clear description of the goods or services; the supply date; invoice date; amounts charged; VAT amount where applicable; and the total owed.
Create your invoice free
No account. No subscription. Nothing you type is uploaded to Create My Docs.
Open Invoice Builder →Sole traders
If you are a sole trader, GOV.UK says the invoice must also include your name and any business name you use, plus an address where legal documents can be delivered if you use a business name.
Limited companies
A limited company must include its full company name as it appears on its certificate of incorporation. If directors are named on the invoice, all directors must be named.
VAT invoices
VAT invoices contain additional information. If both you and your customer are VAT registered, check the current VAT invoice rules rather than assuming a normal invoice contains everything required.
Payment terms
Your invoice should make payment expectations clear. GOV.UK notes that businesses can set their own payment terms; where no payment date is agreed, statutory rules can apply.
Record keeping
Keep suitable business records. HMRC guidance for self-employed people includes sales invoices among the types of proof used to support business records.
Official source: GOV.UK invoice requirements. Always check current official guidance where your circumstances require it.