VAT Invoice Generator (UK, 2026)
A UK VAT invoice must show a unique sequential number, the time of supply and the date of issue, your name, address and VAT number, the customer's name and address, a description of each item with quantity, unit price, VAT rate and net amount, the total excluding VAT and the total VAT in sterling (HMRC VAT Notice 700/21). Up to £250 including VAT you may use a simplified invoice.
For businesses and freelancers billing their own real sales. An invoice or receipt for a supply or payment that did not happen is a false document. Figures are entered by you and are not checked by AiStaffo.
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What a UK VAT invoice must show (VAT Notice 700/21, section 4)
| Invoice number | A sequential number based on one or more series that uniquely identifies the document |
|---|---|
| Dates | Time of supply (tax point), and the date of issue if different |
| Your details | Name, address and VAT registration number |
| Customer | Name and address |
| Each line | Description, quantity, unit price, VAT rate and net amount (excluding VAT) |
| Totals | Total excluding VAT, any cash discount, and total VAT in pounds sterling (amounts excluding VAT may be in any currency) |
| Simplified invoice | Allowed when the total including VAT is £250 or less: your name, address and VAT number, time of supply, description, and for each VAT rate the total including VAT and the rate |
| VAT rates | Standard 20%, reduced 5%, zero 0%; exempt supplies carry no VAT |
| Time limit | Normally within 30 days of the supply |
Worked example
A consultant bills 10 hours at £85.00 (£850.00, standard rated) and 2 printed workbooks at £12.50 (£25.00, zero-rated). Total excluding VAT £875.00; VAT at 20% on £850.00 = £170.00; total £1,045.00. The VAT rate column shows 20% and 0% so each line's VAT treatment is clear.
Invoicing in euros or dollars
You can price in another currency, but the total VAT must also be shown in sterling. Choose the currency, enter the exchange rate you use (for example HMRC's monthly rate), and the invoice adds a "VAT in GBP" line.
Zero-rated, exempt and reverse charge
Mark zero-rated items as 0% and exempt items as Exempt. For the construction industry domestic reverse charge and other reverse-charge supplies, tick "Reverse charge applies": the invoice then states that the customer accounts for the VAT to HMRC, and you should not add VAT to the total.
For businesses: let the invoicing run itself
VAT invoicing sits next to bookkeeping, Making Tax Digital returns and credit control. Raising invoices, matching payments and chasing overdue clients is routine work an AI worker can run end to end, with your team only checking exceptions. Book a free automation audit and we will show you what it would take off your desk.
Please note: this generator follows HMRC VAT Notice 700/21 as checked on 21 October 2026. It does not decide which VAT rate applies to your goods or services; check HMRC guidance or your accountant. For reverse-charge invoices, set the VAT on those lines to 0%.
Questions people ask
What must a VAT invoice include in the UK?
When can I issue a simplified VAT invoice?
How long do I have to issue a VAT invoice?
Do I need to issue a VAT invoice to consumers?
Can I issue a VAT invoice if I am not VAT registered?
What VAT rates apply in 2026?
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