What must a UK VAT invoice include?

HMRC requires a unique sequential invoice number, your name and address, your VAT registration number, the invoice date and supply date, the customer's details, a description of goods or services, the net amount, the VAT rate and amount, and the gross total. The builder produces all of these fields.

How is VAT calculated on a UK invoice?

VAT is the net amount multiplied by the VAT rate. At the standard 20% rate, a £1,000 net invoice adds £200 VAT for a £1,200 gross total. The builder applies your chosen rate to the net subtotal automatically.

Do I need a VAT number on my invoice?

Only if you are VAT-registered. If you are below the registration threshold and not registered, you must not charge VAT and should leave the VAT number blank and set the rate to "No VAT". The builder handles both cases.

What are the standard UK VAT rates?

The standard rate is 20%, the reduced rate is 5% (for items like domestic energy), and the zero rate is 0% (for items like most food and children's clothes). Some supplies are exempt entirely. The builder includes standard, reduced, zero, and no-VAT options.

Do sole traders need a company number?

No. A company registration number applies to limited companies registered at Companies House. Sole traders leave that field blank. The builder makes the company number optional for exactly this reason.

UK Invoice Builder — Gera Tools

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An HMRC-ready UK invoice without the fiddly bits

A compliant UK invoice needs specific fields — a sequential number, your VAT registration number, the VAT rate and amount, and a clear net-to-gross breakdown. This builder collects them, applies the correct VAT rate to your net total, and outputs a clean GBP invoice you can paste into your accounting software or email straight to a client.

How it works

Each line item is quantity times net unit price, summing to the net subtotal. VAT is the net subtotal multiplied by your chosen rate — 20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated, or no VAT if you are not registered — and the gross total is net plus VAT. The invoice prints the net subtotal, the VAT rate and amount, and the gross total separately, which is exactly the breakdown HMRC expects on a VAT invoice. A company-number field is included for limited companies and left blank for sole traders. If you set “No VAT”, the builder omits the VAT line so an unregistered trader never accidentally charges tax.

Tips and example

Use a unique, sequential invoice number with no gaps — HMRC treats the sequence as part of your records. Show the supply date if it differs from the invoice date. Only include a VAT registration number if you are genuinely registered; charging VAT without registration is an offence. A £1,000 net invoice at the standard rate adds £200 VAT for £1,200 gross. Add your UK bank details (account name, sort code, account number) so clients can pay by Faster Payments without asking.