Freelancer invoice template for United Kingdom

A freelancer invoice is how you turn finished work into paid work. 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 freelancer invoice in GBP

Description	Qty	Rate	Amount
Website copywriting, 5 pages	1	£750.00	£750.00
Strategy call (hours)	2	£90.00	£180.00
Revision round	1	£150.00	£150.00
Subtotal			£1,080.00
VAT 20%			£216.00
Total			£1,296.00

In this sample the subtotal is £1,080.00, VAT at 20 percent adds £216.00, and the total is £1,296.00. 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 freelancer invoice should show

Your name or business name, address and email
The client's name and billing address
A unique invoice number (INV-001, INV-002 and so on)
Invoice date and a clear due date, for example net 14 or net 30
Line items that describe the work, with hours or quantity and rate
Payment details: bank transfer, PayPal or other methods you accept

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

Vague lines such as "work done". Clients pay faster when they can match each line to a deliverable.
No due date. Without one, the invoice has no deadline to be late against.
Charging VAT when you are not VAT-registered.
Missing the VAT number on a VAT invoice.

Practical tips

Send the invoice the day the work is approved, not at the end of the month. If a project is large, split it into a deposit, a milestone and a final invoice.

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

How much should I charge per hour as a freelancer?

It depends on your field, experience and market. Check recent rates from comparable freelancers, add your costs and taxes, and state the rate clearly on the invoice so it is easy to compare.

Do freelancers need to charge tax on invoices?

It depends on your country and income. In some places you must register for VAT or sales tax once you pass a threshold. Check your local tax authority.

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.