What to Include on a UK Invoice: The Complete Checklist

Whether you're a builder, decorator, freelancer, or any other self-employed worker, your invoices need to include certain information to be valid in the UK. Missing details can delay payments or cause problems with HMRC.

Here's a complete checklist of what every UK invoice should include.

Required on Every UK Invoice

These details are required by UK law on all invoices, regardless of whether you're a sole trader or limited company:

The word "Invoice" — clearly visible at the top of the document
A unique invoice number — sequential and not repeated (e.g. INV-001, INV-002)
Your business name and address — your trading name and registered address
Your contact details — phone number and/or email address
The client's name and address — the person or company you're billing
The invoice date — the date you're issuing the invoice
The supply date — the date the goods were delivered or services were completed (can be the same as the invoice date)
A description of the goods or services — clear enough that the client knows what they're paying for
The quantity and unit price — for each line item
The total amount due — clearly displayed

Additional Requirements for VAT-Registered Businesses

If your business is registered for VAT, your invoices must also include:

Your VAT registration number
The VAT rate applied to each item (usually 20%, but some items are 5% or 0%)
The VAT amount for each item
The total excluding VAT
The total VAT charged
The total including VAT

For more on VAT, see our guide on whether tradespeople need to charge VAT.

Additional Requirements for Limited Companies

If you operate as a limited company, you must also include:

Your full company name — as registered at Companies House
Your company registration number
Your registered office address — if different from your trading address

Additional Requirements for CIS Invoices

If you're a subcontractor working under the Construction Industry Scheme, you'll also need:

Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) number
Labour and materials separated — CIS deductions only apply to labour
The CIS deduction rate and amount — shown for information

See our detailed CIS invoice guide for a full walkthrough.

Recommended Extras (Not Legally Required But Helpful)

These aren't legally required, but including them will help you get paid faster and avoid disputes:

Payment terms — when payment is due (e.g. "Payment due within 14 days")
Bank details — bank name, sort code, account number, and account name
Payment reference — what the client should use as a reference when paying (usually the invoice number)
Your logo — makes the invoice look more professional
A job reference or PO number — especially useful for commercial clients
Site address — if you're a tradesperson who worked at a specific location
Late payment terms — e.g. "Interest of 8% plus Bank of England base rate will be charged on late payments"
A polite closing note — something like "Thank you for your business"

Quick Reference Checklist

Every UK Invoice:

☑ "Invoice" at the top · ☑ Unique invoice number · ☑ Your name and address · ☑ Client name and address · ☑ Invoice date and supply date · ☑ Description of goods/services · ☑ Quantities and prices · ☑ Total amount due

If VAT Registered, Also Add:

☑ VAT number · ☑ VAT rate per item · ☑ VAT amount · ☑ Subtotal, VAT total, and grand total

If Limited Company, Also Add:

☑ Company registration number · ☑ Registered office address

Recommended Extras:

☑ Payment terms · ☑ Bank details · ☑ Logo · ☑ Job/PO reference · ☑ Late payment terms

Create a Compliant UK Invoice in Minutes

InvoiceJob includes all the fields you need to create a legally compliant UK invoice — whether you're a sole trader, limited company, or CIS subcontractor. It's free to use with no signup required.