How to make a VAT invoice in 3 steps
- 1
Add your VAT number
Put it in “VAT or tax number” under your business details. It is remembered for next time.
- 2
Set the VAT rate per line
Use 20% for the standard rate, 5% for reduced-rate items and 0% for zero-rated ones. Totals are grouped by rate.
- 3
Download the PDF
The invoice shows the net amount, the VAT at each rate and the total payable.
What HMRC requires on a full VAT invoice
If you are VAT-registered and sell to another VAT-registered business, a full VAT invoice should show:
- A unique, sequential invoice number
- Your name, address and VAT registration number
- The time of supply (tax point), and the invoice date if it is different
- The customer’s name and address
- A description of the goods or services
- For each item: the quantity, the unit price excluding VAT and the VAT rate
- The total excluding VAT, the total VAT, and the total amount payable
Retailers can issue a simplified VAT invoice for sales of £250 or less including VAT. HMRC’s VAT guide (Notice 700) has the full rules, including for invoices in foreign currencies, where the VAT total must also be shown in pounds sterling.
What to include on an invoice in the UK
GOV.UK lists what an invoice must show. The generator has a place for each of these:
- A unique invoice number
- Your business name, address and contact details (a limited company should use its full registered name)
- Your customer’s name and address
- A clear description of what you are charging for
- The date you provided the goods or services, if different from the invoice date (add it to the reference or notes)
- The invoice date and the amount being charged
- VAT, if you are VAT-registered, and the total amount owed
Frequently asked questions
Is this a valid VAT invoice?
It can be, as long as you fill in everything HMRC asks for: your VAT registration number, the VAT rate on each line, and a description of each item. The invoice shows the VAT total for each rate and the total due. If the time of supply (tax point) is different from the invoice date, add it in the reference or notes.
Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices?
Only if you are VAT-registered. In the UK you must register once your VAT-taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a 12-month period (the threshold since 1 April 2024; check GOV.UK for the current figure). If you are not registered, leave the tax column at 0% and don’t show a VAT number.
What invoice number should I use?
Each invoice needs a unique number, and it is good practice (and required for VAT invoices) to number them in sequence. The generator suggests the next number automatically and moves the counter on each time you download, so you don’t have to keep track.
Is it really free, with no watermark?
Yes. The PDF downloads on the first click with no watermark, no email address and no account. The site is supported by one labelled sponsor link on the page, never by locking the download.
Where are my details stored?
Only in your own browser, on this device. The PDF is made in your browser too, so your client list, bank details and amounts are never sent to a server. Untick “Remember my details” or use “Forget everything saved here” to clear them at any time.