Self-employed invoice template (UK): what it must include
GOV.UK lists what every UK invoice must show, plus two extra lines for sole traders. Below is that list next to the field that covers it in Billsprig, a free template in pounds (£), with or without VAT.
- A unique identification number
- Your company name, address and contact information; the customer's company name and address
- A clear description of what you're charging for, the supply date and the invoice date
- The amount(s) charged, VAT if applicable, and the total owed
Choose Currency: GBP and Paper size: A4. The Plumber quote (GBP, VAT) example shows a filled-in UK document. Read the guide ↓
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Billsprig does not give tax or legal advice; check local invoice requirements (e.g. VAT/GST numbers) with your accountant.
The GOV.UK list, field by field
| GOV.UK: the invoice must include | Where it goes in Billsprig |
|---|---|
| a unique identification number | Invoice no. (e.g. INV-0001; never reuse one) |
| your company name, address and contact information | From: business name, address, email, phone |
| the company name and address of the customer you're invoicing | Bill to: client name and address |
| a clear description of what you're charging for | One line per item or service |
| the date the goods or service were provided (supply date) | No separate field: put it in the line ("Boiler service, 3 Oct 2026") or in Notes |
| the date of the invoice | Date |
| the amount(s) being charged; VAT amount if applicable; the total amount owed | Lines, Tax name VAT and the rate per line; the total is worked out |
Sole traders must also show your name and any business name being used, and, if you use a business name, an address where legal documents can be delivered to you. Put your own name with the business name in From (for example "Sam Patel trading as Patel Plumbing").
Source: GOV.UK, Invoicing and taking payment from customers: Invoices, what they must include. Read on 8 Oct 2026.
Not VAT registered
Leave the tax rate empty on every line: no VAT line appears and the total equals the subtotal. Don't write "VAT" anywhere on the invoice if you are not registered.
VAT registered
GOV.UK says you must use VAT invoices if you and your customer are VAT registered, and that they include more information than non-VAT invoices (see HMRC's VAT invoice rules). In Billsprig set Tax name to VAT, put your VAT number in Tax ID, and type the rate on each line. The app's UK example, a plumber's quote, adds 20% VAT per line:
| Description | Qty | Rate | Disc. | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combi boiler supply (30 kW, 10-year warranty) | 1 | £1,450.00 | 20% | £1,450.00 | |
| Labour: remove old boiler, fit and commission | 1.5 | £380.00 | 20% | £570.00 | |
| Magnetic system filter | 1 | £95.00 | 20% | £95.00 | |
| Power flush, 8 radiators | 1 | £420.00 | 20% | £420.00 | |
| Waste removal and disposal | 1 | £60.00 | 20% | £60.00 | |
| Subtotal | £2,595.00 | ||||
| VAT 20% on £2,595.00 | £519.00 | ||||
| Total quoted | £3,114.00 |
"Plumber quote (GBP, VAT)" example in the app (a quote; set the type to Invoice when the work is done).
Honest limits
Billsprig formats pounds the UK way and prints on A4, but it does not check your VAT treatment, file anything with HMRC or connect to Making Tax Digital software. Free: 5 PDFs a month with a small footer line.
Questions
What must a self-employed invoice include in the UK?
GOV.UK lists a unique number, your name/business name, address and contact details, the customer's name and address, a clear description, the supply date, the invoice date, the amounts, VAT if applicable and the total owed. Sole traders using a business name also show their own name and an address for legal documents.
Do I need to show VAT if I am not VAT registered?
No. Leave the tax rate empty in Billsprig and no VAT line is shown.
Can I invoice in pounds on A4?
Yes. Choose GBP and A4; amounts are formatted as £1,234.50.
Where do I put the supply date?
Billsprig has no separate supply-date field. Write it in the line description or the Notes.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is a template that follows GOV.UK's published list; check VAT questions with HMRC or an accountant.
Key facts
- What it is
- A free UK invoice template (GBP, A4, optional VAT per line) laid out against GOV.UK's list of what an invoice must include.
- Price
- Free; Pro $4/month or $29 once
- Free tier
- 5 PDF downloads a month (with a small "Made with Billsprig" line), unlimited printing, invoices, quotes, estimates and receipts, no account.
- Limits
- Free: 5 PDFs a month with a footer line. No supply-date field (use the description). No HMRC filing.
- Runs where
- In your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded; it works offline once loaded.
- Sources
- GOV.UK invoicing guide, read 8 Oct 2026; totals by Billsprig's engine
- Last updated
More Billsprig guides
- Freelance Invoice Template (Free PDF, No Sign-up)
- Invoice for Services Rendered: Free Template + Example
- How to Make an Invoice for Free (Step by Step)
- Billsprig home: the full app
Not tax or legal advice. GOV.UK wording quoted as read on 8 Oct 2026. Example data on this page is made up; numbers were worked out by Billsprig's own engine on 2026-10-08.