What a full VAT invoice must show
HMRC lists what a VAT-registered business must put on a full VAT invoice. This generator has a field for each of them:
- a unique invoice number that follows on from the last one (INV-0001, INV-0002…);
- your business name and address, and your VAT registration number;
- the invoice date, and the time of supply (tax point) if it is different — add it in the notes;
- your customer's name and address;
- a description of each item, with its quantity and the price before VAT;
- the VAT rate, the total before VAT, the total VAT and the total including VAT;
- any discount.
Shops selling to the public can give a simplified VAT invoice when the sale is £250 or less including VAT. If you are not registered for VAT you must not charge it — use the sole trader invoice generator instead.
Which VAT rate?
Most goods and services are at the standard rate of 20%. Some, such as home energy and children's car seats, are at the reduced rate of 5%, and others, such as most food and children's clothes, are at 0%. This tool applies one rate to the whole invoice; if you sell items at different rates, the InvoiceMate app sets the rate on each line. Check GOV.UK or your accountant for the rate that applies to what you sell.
Questions
Is this VAT invoice generator free?
Yes. Make as many VAT invoices as you like and download them as PDF. The PDF carries a small InvoiceMate mark; nothing you type is saved on our side.
Does it submit my VAT return?
No. It makes the invoice only. VAT returns go to HMRC through Making Tax Digital compatible software.
Can I add my logo?
This free tool keeps it simple: name, contact details and VAT number. The InvoiceMate app adds your logo, signature, a PAID stamp and 25 designs.
Can I use a different VAT rate on each line?
Not in this free tool — it uses one rate for the whole invoice. The InvoiceMate app sets the rate per item.
Every bill saved, sent on WhatsApp in one tap
This tool makes one document at a time. For your day-to-day billing, the free InvoiceMate app keeps every invoice and customer, sends the PDF on WhatsApp in one tap, tracks who has paid and who still owes you, and lets you make a bill just by saying it.