United Kingdom · VAT

UK VAT invoice requirements

What a compliant VAT invoice must include under GOV.UK rules — then create one in your browser, free and with no sign-up.

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What a full VAT invoice must include

If you are VAT-registered, a full VAT invoice must show the following:

a unique, sequential invoice number;
your business name, address and VAT number;
the invoice date;
the time of supply (the "tax point") if it differs from the invoice date;
the customer's name and address;
a description of the goods or services;
for each item: the unit price excluding VAT, quantity, VAT rate, and the amount excluding VAT;
the total amount excluding VAT;
the total VAT amount;
the total amount including VAT.

Simplified & modified invoices

For retail supplies, you can issue a simplified VAT invoice when the total is £250 or less — it needs fewer details (your name, address and VAT number; the date; a description; the VAT rate; and the total including VAT). For totals above £250, issue a full invoice.

UK VAT rates

Unlike a single-rate system, UK VAT has several categories — one reason a good invoice lets you choose the rate rather than assuming one:

Standard — 20% (most goods and services);
Reduced — 5% (e.g. domestic fuel, some energy-saving materials);
Zero — 0% (e.g. most food, children's clothing) — still VAT-taxable, just at 0%;
Exempt (e.g. some financial and property services) — no VAT charged, and different from zero-rated.

Our generator lets you save your own effective-dated rates, so an invoice automatically uses the rate that applied on its date.

Ready to make one? The generator pre-fills the VAT number label and a 20% rate, includes a tax-point (supply date) field, and saves everything locally on your device.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to charge VAT?

You must register for and charge VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold, or you can register voluntarily. If you're not registered, don't show VAT or call the document a VAT invoice.

What is a tax point?

The tax point (time of supply) is the date a transaction is treated as taking place for VAT. It's often the invoice date, but can differ — for example the date goods are delivered or payment is received.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. simpletaxinvoice runs entirely in your browser — your details, clients and invoices stay on your device and are never uploaded, unless you choose to export a backup.

This guide is general information, not tax advice, and may not reflect the latest rules. You are responsible for issuing correct invoices — check the current GOV.UK VAT guidance or an accountant for your situation.