Rules last checked 29 Oct 2026
VAT invoice generator for the UK
A full UK VAT invoice must show a unique invoice number, your name, address and VAT registration number, the invoice date and tax point, the customer's name and address, and for each item the price, quantity and VAT rate, with total VAT shown in sterling. InvoiceKit lays these out for you, lets you mix 20%, 5% and 0% lines, and downloads a PDF. It is free, works without an account and keeps your data in your browser.
- No signup, no watermark
- Stays in your browser: nothing uploaded
- GST, VAT and sales-tax aware
How it works
Country is preset
Tax name, rates, tax-ID label and document title follow local rules.
Fill in both parties
Registration numbers are format-checked as you type where possible.
Download the PDF
Check the result against the list below before you send it.
What an invoice in United Kingdom must show
- Unique invoice number. A number that follows on from the previous invoice.
- Seller details. Your business name and address.
- VAT registration number. Your UK VAT number.
- Invoice date. The date the invoice is issued.
- Time of supply (tax point). Shown if it is different from the invoice date.
- Customer details. The customer's name or trading name and address.
- Description of goods or services. Enough to identify what was supplied.
- Per-item details. Unit price excluding VAT, quantity, VAT rate and amount excluding VAT for each item.
- Totals. Total excluding VAT, any discount, and total VAT charged, shown in pounds sterling.
VAT rates
| Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|
| 20% | Standard rate for most goods and services. |
| 5% | Reduced rate, for example domestic fuel and power and some energy-saving installations. |
| 0% | Zero rate, for example most food, children's clothing and books. |
VAT Reg. No. format
Format: GB followed by 9 digits (some groups and government bodies use other formats).
Example: GB 123 4567 89 (illustrative only)
You can check a VAT number with HMRC's online VAT number checker. Only VAT-registered businesses can issue VAT invoices or charge VAT.
Full, simplified and modified VAT invoices
A full VAT invoice is the default for sales to VAT-registered customers. You can issue a simplified VAT invoice when the total including VAT is £250 or less; it needs fewer details, such as your name, address and VAT number, the tax point, a description, the VAT rate and the total including VAT.
For retail sales above £250, a modified VAT invoice can show totals including VAT, as long as the VAT-exclusive totals and the VAT amount are also shown. Simplified invoices cannot be used for exempt supplies.
Timing and registration
HMRC generally expects a VAT invoice within 30 days of the tax point. You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover goes over the registration threshold (£90,000 at the time of checking), and you can register voluntarily below it.
If you are not VAT registered, issue an ordinary invoice without VAT and without a VAT number. InvoiceKit titles the document VAT Invoice only when you enter a VAT number.
Sources
We check these official pages at least once a year. Rules last checked: 29 Oct 2026. If you spot something out of date, email us and we will fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use InvoiceKit invoices for Making Tax Digital?
InvoiceKit creates invoices but is not MTD software and does not submit VAT returns. Record the invoices in MTD-compatible software to file your return.
Do I need to show VAT for each line?
A full VAT invoice must show the VAT rate for each item and the total VAT. InvoiceKit also groups the VAT by rate when you mix rates.
What if I sell to a business outside the UK?
Services to overseas business customers are often outside the scope of UK VAT, and exported goods may be zero-rated. The rules depend on the supply, so check HMRC guidance on place of supply.
Can I issue invoices in a currency other than pounds?
Yes, but the total VAT must also be shown in sterling on a VAT invoice. Use HMRC's accepted exchange rates when converting.
Is this tax advice?
No. This is a summary of HMRC guidance for general information; check gov.uk or a qualified accountant for your circumstances.
Information only, not tax or legal advice. Tax rules change and depend on your situation. Check the official source or a qualified accountant before relying on them. You are responsible for what your documents say.