You’ve set up your business – congratulations! You’ve sold services and/or goods, which means you need to send them an invoice. You may be wondering exactly what to include on an invoice.

Even if you’ve been running your business for a while, you might be wondering whether you’re missing out on important information. If you’re struggling to get paid on time – good news, a well-written invoice can help with that.

To make sure you’re including everything which is legally required, use our handy checklist below. For more information, check out this article from HMRC.

What should be included on a standard, non-VAT invoice?

  1. Your business details including company name and address.
  2. The word ‘invoice’ and invoice number.
  3. Company name and address of the customer.
  4. Details on how to pay.
  5. Issue date, payment due date and supply date (if different from the issue date).
  6. Description of goods and services sold.
  7. Quantities of goods and services
  8. How much does each item cost
  9. Total amount payable
  10. Thank you message and payment terms.
What to include on an invoice if you're not VAT registered.

What should I include on an invoice if I’m VAT registered?

If you’re VAT registered, you must charge VAT on all your invoices. You must keep a copy of all VAT invoices, even if they’re made by mistake or cancelled.

Let’s find out what you need to include on your VAT invoice.

What should be included on a VAT invoice?

A VAT invoice needs to include all of the same things a standard, non-VAT invoice requires, plus the following: 

11. Your VAT number

12. VAT rate for each item. If the VAT rate is different for each then specify.

13. Total for each item including VAT

14. The total amount of VAT for the whole of the invoice

15. Total including VAT

If all of your items are VAT exempt or 0% VAT, then you do not need to create a VAT invoice.

What to include on an invoice if you are VAT registered.

How do I create an invoice?

We’d strongly recommend using QuickBooks to create and send your invoices. Not only does QuickBooks allow you to send invoices in a breeze but its primary use is for bookkeeping so you’re killing two birds with one stone. 


If you’re determined to send invoices manually then you can do so using Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or even Canva. When you export, just make sure you’re exporting as a PDF so clients can’t edit the document.

If you get stuck, we’re always happy to help. We offer bookkeeping and accountancy services in Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Contact us today to see how we can help.