Consultant invoice template for United Kingdom

Consultants usually bill larger amounts to companies that run approvals, purchase orders and payment cycles. This template is set up for United Kingdom: GBP currency and the right tax label. United Kingdom invoices usually include VAT (standard rate 20 percent), which this template adds for you.

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Example consultant invoice in GBP

Description	Qty	Rate	Amount
Process audit workshop (days)	2	£1,200.00	£2,400.00
Written recommendations report	1	£900.00	£900.00
Follow-up call (hours)	1	£200.00	£200.00
Subtotal			£3,500.00
VAT 20%			£700.00
Total			£4,200.00

In this sample the subtotal is £3,500.00, VAT at 20 percent adds £700.00, and the total is £4,200.00. Sample figures only.

What a United Kingdom invoice must include

A unique, sequential invoice number and the invoice date
Your business name, address and VAT registration number
The customer's name and address
The date of supply if different from the invoice date
A description of goods or services, the net amount, the VAT rate and the VAT amount
The total amount payable in pounds, and your payment terms

What a consultant invoice should show

The client's PO number or contract reference
The engagement period and what was delivered
Day rate or fixed fee and the number of days or milestones
Expenses listed separately, with receipts available
Payment terms such as net 30, and any late-payment terms
Your tax or company registration number when required

Getting paid in United Kingdom

Common ways to pay are UK bank transfer (sort code and account number) or card payment. Typical payment terms: 30 days is the common default, and many businesses use 14. UK law allows statutory interest and fixed compensation on overdue business-to-business invoices in many cases. Check the details on GOV.UK.

Mistakes to avoid

Missing the PO number, which makes finance teams send the invoice back.
Billing against a vague engagement instead of the agreed scope.
Charging VAT when you are not VAT-registered.
Missing the VAT number on a VAT invoice.

Practical tips

Ask at the start who receives invoices and whether there is a vendor portal or a required format; large clients often have one. For retainers, invoice at the start of the period and label it with the month.

The standard VAT rate is 20 percent, with reduced and zero rates for some goods and services. Registration is compulsory once taxable turnover passes the government threshold, and the figure is updated from time to time, so check GOV.UK. Under the UK late payment law, businesses can charge statutory interest and fixed compensation on overdue invoices between businesses, unless contract terms provide a substantial alternative remedy.

Frequently asked questions

What payment terms should a consultant use?

Net 14 or net 30 are common. For new clients or large projects, ask for a deposit or milestone payments.

Why do clients ask for a PO number?

Many companies match invoices to purchase orders before paying. Without it, payment can be delayed.

Do I need to be VAT-registered to send an invoice in the UK?

No. Only VAT-registered businesses charge VAT. Others can still send normal invoices without VAT.

What must a UK VAT invoice include?

A sequential number, your VAT number, dates, customer details, description, net amount, VAT rate and VAT amount, and the total.

Related templates

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules and rates change, so check HMRC on GOV.UK before relying on it.