What to include on a sales invoice

This will guide you on what to include on your sales invoice, these are the invoices that you send to your customers or clients

What all sales invoices should include

  • a unique invoice number
  • your business name and trading address address
  • the name and address of the customer or client you are invoicing
  • a description of the goods or services provided
  • the date (and the tax point date if different from the invoice date)
  • the amount(s) being charged
  • the total amount owed

You may also want to consider the following:

  • your preferred method of payment, for example many businesses are now discouraging payment by cheque
  • your business bank details to facilitate quick and easy payment
Sole traders also need to include the following...
  • your name and any business name being used
  • an address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a business name
Limited companies also need to include the following...
  • the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation
  • If you decide to put names of your directors on your invoices, you must include the names of all directors
If you are VAT registered you need to include the following...
  • your VAT number
  • the amount excluding VAT
  • the total amount of VAT
  • the rate of VAT charged
  • the amount including VAT

If you trade internationally, you can show amounts in currencies other than sterling.  You must:

  • show the total VAT payable in sterling on your VAT invoice if the supply takes place in the UK
  • be able to provide an English translation of any invoice within 30 days if asked to do so by a visiting VAT officer

If you are VAT registered we would strongly recommend that you create your invoices using an accounting system such as Xero or QBO, you can talk to us if you need advise