Free Sole Trader Invoice Generator

How to make a sole trader invoice

The form above starts in pounds with no VAT line, so most sole traders only need three steps:

1. Add your own name and, if you use one, your business name, plus your address, email and phone. Then add the customer's name and address.
2. List what you are charging for, with the date you did the work. Leave the "Not VAT registered" box ticked if you want that line on the invoice.
3. Add your bank details and a due date, choose one of the 13 designs, and download the PDF.

What a sole trader invoice must include in the UK

According to GOV.UK's guidance on what an invoice must include, every invoice needs:

• A unique identification number
• Your name and any business name you use, with your address and contact details
• The name and address of the customer you are invoicing
• A clear description of what you are charging for
• The date the goods or service were provided
• The date of the invoice
• The amounts being charged, and the VAT amount if VAT applies
• The total amount owed

If you trade under a business name, GOV.UK also asks for an address where legal documents can be delivered to you.

Invoicing when you are not VAT registered

Only VAT-registered businesses charge VAT. If you are not registered, leave VAT and a VAT number off your invoice and charge the plain price. This is what people mean by a non-VAT invoice or an invoice without VAT.

Registration becomes compulsory when your taxable turnover goes over 90,000 pounds, or you expect it to. Check the current figure on GOV.UK's VAT thresholds page.

You can also choose to register before you reach the threshold. Once you are registered, you charge VAT and show your VAT number, so switch to an invoice with VAT.

Invoice with VAT vs invoice without VAT

This is general information, not tax advice. Check GOV.UK or an accountant.