Free UK Invoice Template
Everything a UK freelancer or sole trader needs to invoice a client correctly — without needing to be VAT registered. Create a professional invoice online in under two minutes, or download a free template.
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Example UK invoice
From
Jane Smith
123 High Street, Bristol BS1 1AA
jane@example.com
Invoice
INV-012
Date: 10 Mar 2026
Due: 9 Apr 2026
Bill To
Acme Ltd
456 Business Park, London EC1A 1BB
Payment details
Sort code: 12-34-56 · Account: 12345678
What to include on a UK invoice
There is no single legal format for a standard UK invoice (as opposed to a VAT invoice), but HMRC and good practice recommend the following fields. Missing any of these can delay payment or cause problems at tax time.
Invoice number
A unique number for each invoice — e.g. INV-001, INV-002. Helps you and your client reference the invoice easily.
Your name or business name
If you trade as a sole trader under your own name, your name is sufficient. If you have a business name, use that.
Your address
Your business address or home address if you work from home.
Your contact details
Email address and/or phone number so your client can reach you.
Client name and address
The full name (or company name) and address of whoever you are billing.
Invoice date
The date you issued the invoice. This is when the payment clock starts.
Payment due date
When you expect to be paid. Standard UK terms are 30 days, but you can set your own.
Description of work
A clear description of the services or goods you provided.
Quantity and unit price
How many hours, days, or units — and the rate per unit.
Total amount due
The full amount your client owes you, in the correct currency.
Payment details
Your bank account sort code and account number, or other payment method (PayPal, Wise, etc.).
Tips for getting paid faster
Use sequential invoice numbers
Numbering your invoices sequentially (INV-001, INV-002…) keeps your records tidy and makes it easy to spot missing invoices. HMRC expects this if you are ever audited.
Set clear payment terms
State your payment terms explicitly on every invoice — e.g. "Payment due within 30 days of invoice date." UK law allows you to charge statutory interest (8% + Bank of England base rate) on late payments under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998.
Include your payment details
Make it as easy as possible for your client to pay. Include your sort code, account number, and bank name directly on the invoice. The fewer steps between them and paying, the faster you get paid.
Do not add VAT unless you are registered
Only VAT-registered businesses should charge VAT. If your annual turnover is below £90,000 and you are not voluntarily registered, leave VAT off your invoices entirely.
Keep copies of everything
HMRC requires sole traders and freelancers to keep financial records for at least 5 years after the 31 January Self Assessment deadline for the relevant tax year.
Are you VAT registered?
If your annual turnover exceeds £90,000 or you have voluntarily registered for VAT, you must issue a VAT invoice instead. VAT invoices have additional required fields. See our VAT invoice guide →
Common questions
Do I need to use a specific invoice format in the UK?
No. For standard invoices (non-VAT), there is no legally prescribed format. As long as you include the key information — who you are, who you are billing, what for, how much, and when — your invoice is valid.
Can I send invoices by email?
Yes. Email is the most common way to send invoices in the UK. Send the invoice as a PDF attachment so it cannot be easily edited, and keep the email as proof of delivery.
What can I do if a client does not pay?
Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, you are entitled to charge statutory interest of 8% above the Bank of England base rate on overdue B2B invoices. You can also claim fixed debt recovery costs (£40 for debts under £1,000). Sending a formal payment reminder before this point often resolves the issue — QuickBill can send these automatically.
Stop copying and pasting templates
QuickBill creates a professional UK invoice in under two minutes, sends it directly to your client, and reminds them automatically if they are late paying.
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