UK invoice examples

What every example has in common

• A unique invoice number and the invoice date
• The supplier's name and address, plus a VAT number if registered
• The customer's name and billing address
• A clear description of what was supplied
• The amount before VAT, the VAT rate/amount and the total
• Payment terms and a due date

Freelancer invoice example

Harbour Design Studio is a fictional freelance design business. It invoices Northwind Retail Ltd for a website redesign, with a 14-day payment term. The invoice is simple: one line item, a short description and a clear total.

• Invoice number: INV-2026-014; invoice date: 3 November 2026
• From: Harbour Design Studio, 12 Camden Road, London NW1 9AA
• Bill to: Northwind Retail Ltd, 88 Market Street, Manchester M1 1AA
• Item: Website redesign — 1 × £1,200.00 at 20% VAT
• Subtotal £1,200.00; VAT £240.00; total £1,440.00
• Payment terms: due within 14 days; bank details in the notes

Consultant invoice example

A consultant often bills for time and references a purchase order. The example below uses six days at £450 per day, with VAT, a PO number and a 30-day term. The time of supply is shown so the client can match the invoice to the project.

• Invoice number: CONS-2026-031; PO number: PO-8842
• From: M. Patel Consulting, 4 Bridge Street, Bristol BS1 2AA; VAT number GB123456789
• Bill to: Meadow & Co Ltd, 20 King Street, Leeds LS1 2HQ
• Item: Strategy consulting — 6 days × £450.00 at 20% VAT
• Subtotal £2,700.00; VAT £540.00; total £3,240.00
• Payment terms: 30 days from invoice date

Sole trader invoice example

A sole trader who is not VAT registered should not charge VAT or show a VAT number. This example uses a trading name but still identifies the person behind the business, which makes the invoice clearer if the client needs to check who they are paying.

• Invoice number: JL-2026-007; invoice date: 3 November 2026
• From: J. Lewis, trading as J. Lewis Gardening Services, 9 Orchard Close, York YO1 4AA
• Bill to: Mr and Mrs Green, 15 Mill Lane, York YO2 1BB
• Item: Garden maintenance — 4 hours at £45.00; no VAT
• Total due: £180.00; payment terms: 7 days

Limited company invoice example

A limited company should use its registered company name and can include its company number. This example bills an agency for two items, shows VAT separately and uses a 30-day term. The registered office is used rather than a home address.

• Invoice number: NS-2026-102; invoice date: 3 November 2026
• From: Northline Studio Ltd, 50 Commercial Road, Birmingham B1 1AA; company number 12345678; VAT number GB987654321
• Bill to: Bright Agency Ltd, 7 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4AA
• Items: Brand workshop — 1 × £900.00; Design system — 1 × £1,600.00; both 20% VAT
• Subtotal £2,500.00; VAT £500.00; total £3,000.00
• Payment terms: 30 days; late-payment interest may apply

Which example should you use?

Use the layout that matches your legal structure and VAT status, not the one that looks most impressive. A freelancer or sole trader can use a simpler invoice; a limited company should show its registered name and, where relevant, company number. If you are VAT registered, a full VAT invoice must include the VAT number, rate and amount.

Whichever example you choose, keep the numbering sequential and send a PDF rather than an editable file. Save a copy for your records; VAT records generally need to be kept for at least 6 years.

• Download the UK invoice template (Word)
• Download the UK VAT invoice template (PDF)

Related tools and guides

• Freelance invoice template
• Sole trader invoice
• Limited company invoice
• Free Word invoice template (UK)
• UK invoice template