Invoice requirements in United Kingdom
What a compliant invoice must include in United Kingdom: required details, tax rates, mandatory legal mentions and e-invoicing rules — plus a free generator to create one in minutes.
What every invoice must include
A compliant invoice in United Kingdom generally needs at least these details:
- Name / company
- Number
- Issue date
- Due date
- Tax ID
Where applicable, include your tax identification number (VAT No.).
VAT rates
Standard rate: 20%5%
Mandatory legal mentions
Depending on your tax situation, your invoice may need specific legal wording, for example:
- “Reverse charge: customer to account for VAT to HMRC”
- “Exempt from VAT”
- “Not VAT registered”
E-invoicing
No mandatory structured e-invoicing system currently applies to small businesses in United Kingdom.
How long to keep invoices
Keep your invoices for at least 6 years in United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I create a United Kingdom invoice for free?
- Yes. QuoteBill generates a professional invoice for United Kingdom as a downloadable PDF for free, with the right fields and any required legal mentions.
- Do I have to charge tax?
- It depends on your status and turnover. QuoteBill lets you pick the right tax scheme — standard, reverse charge, exempt or small business — and applies the correct rate automatically.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change — always confirm with the relevant authority or an accountant.