I see lots of different sales invoices in my office, some have invoices numbers, some don't; some have a date on, others don't; some have VAT on but no VAT number on them; no wonder people get confused, so what should you include on your Sales Invoices.
According to HMRC you should have the following:
You must clearly display the word 'Invoice' on the document.
You must also include:
a unique identification number - (Invoice Number)
your company name, address and contact information
the company name and address of the customer you're invoicing
a clear description of what you're charging for
the date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
the date of the invoice
the amount(s) being charged
VAT amount if applicable - (only if you are VAT registered)
the total amount owed
terms and conditions for payment
Sole Trader Invoices
- you must include your name and any business name being used
- an address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a business name
Limited Company Invoices
- You must include the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation.
- If you decide to put names of your directors on your invoices, you must include the names of all directors.
VAT Invoices
If you are VAT registered you must use VAT invoices, for more detailed information on VAT invoices click here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/record-keeping-for-vat-notice-70021#vat-invoices
Free Invoice Template
If you aren't currently using an online or desktop accounting software package then why not use this free template (word document) and adapt it to your own company, details on how to adapt are with the download.
