What HMRC requires on an invoice
Whether you're a sole trader, limited company or VAT-registered, every UK invoice needs the same core fields. Get any of these wrong and you can't legally chase late payment under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act.
- The word "Invoice" clearly visible
- A unique invoice number (sequential, no gaps)
- Your business name, address and contact
- Customer name and address
- Date the invoice was issued and date of supply
- Description of goods or services
- Total amount owed and currency (GBP)
- If VAT-registered: your VAT number, the VAT rate, net, VAT and gross totals
The template
[Your Business Name] INVOICE
[Address line 1] No: INV-2026-001
[Address line 2, Postcode] Date: 16 Jun 2026
[Phone] · [Email] Due: 23 Jun 2026
VAT No: [if registered]
BILL TO
[Customer name]
[Customer address]
DESCRIPTION QTY RATE AMOUNT
[Work completed line 1] ............. 1.00 100.00 £100.00
[Work completed line 2] ............. 1.00 100.00 £100.00
--------
Subtotal (net) £200.00
VAT @ 20% £40.00
--------
TOTAL DUE £240.00
PAYMENT
Bank: [Bank name]
Sort code: 00-00-00 Account: 00000000
Reference: INV-2026-001
Terms: Payment due within 7 days. Late payments
subject to statutory interest at 8% + Bank of
England base rate per the Late Payment of
Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.Get paid faster: skip the template
The template above works — but you'll still chase payment over WhatsApp. In Job Snapper every invoice ships with:
- A one-tap payment link (card or bank) — customers don't have to type your sort code
- Automatic reminders 3, 7 and 14 days after due date
- Read receipts so you know the moment they've opened it
- Xero sync for the bookkeeping side
Read more in chasing late payments, or try it free.