What should a UK invoice include?
A useful invoice identifies both sides of the transaction, explains what was supplied, records the important dates and makes the amount owed unambiguous. The checklist below covers the core requirements for an ordinary UK business invoice.
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026.
The basic invoice checklist
GOV.UK says an invoice must include:
- a unique identification number
- your business name, address and contact information
- the name and address of the customer you are invoicing
- a clear description of the goods or services
- the date the goods or services were supplied
- the invoice date
- the amounts being charged
- the VAT amount where VAT applies
- the total amount owed
Details that make an invoice easier to act on
Payment terms and due date
You can agree your own payment terms. Putting a clear due date on the invoice removes ambiguity and gives both you and the customer the same reference point. GOV.UK says that where no payment date has been agreed, the customer must generally pay within 30 days of receiving the invoice or the goods or service.
Payment instructions
If you expect bank transfer, include the account details and any payment reference you want the customer to use. These are practical additions rather than substitutes for the core invoice information above.
Your business type matters
Sole traders and limited companies have additional identity requirements, and VAT invoices carry extra information. Use the related guides below if either applies to you.
Source: GOV.UK — payment obligations.
Create the invoice now — or let Klamic remember the repetitive parts.
The free UK invoice generator works without an account. If invoicing is a regular job, Klamic saves your business details, customers and common services and keeps your invoice history together.