πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK guide

Self-Employed Invoice Template UK: What to Include + Free Template

If you're self-employed in the UK, you need to invoice correctly β€” both to get paid and to satisfy HMRC. Here's exactly what a UK self-employed invoice must include, a copy-paste template, and what to do when a client doesn't pay.

What must a UK self-employed invoice include?

HMRC requires self-employed people to keep records of all invoices. Your invoice must include:

Required
The word 'invoice'Clearly visible at the top
Required
A unique invoice numberSequential numbering (INV-001, INV-002...) β€” HMRC requires this
Required
Your full name (or business name)Your name as it appears in your HMRC registration
Required
Your addressBusiness or home address
Required
Client's full name and addressThe person or business you're invoicing
Required
Invoice dateThe date you issue the invoice
Required
Clear description of the workWhat services you provided
Required
Amount chargedNet amount for each item
Required
Total amount dueIncluding any applicable taxes
Recommended
VAT number (if VAT registered)Mandatory if you're VAT registered. See below.
Recommended
Bank details or payment linkStrongly recommended β€” makes it easy to pay
Recommended
Payment termse.g. 'Payment due 14 days from invoice date'

VAT: do you need to charge it?

VAT threshold (2026)

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds Β£90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold.

If you are VAT registered:

You must charge VAT (usually 20% standard rate) and include on your invoice: your VAT number, the net amount, the VAT amount, and the gross total.

If you are NOT VAT registered:

You do not charge VAT. Simply invoice for your net amount. Do not mention VAT on your invoice β€” it creates confusion and you're not entitled to collect it.

Free UK self-employed invoice template

Copy and customise this template:

INVOICE

[YOUR FULL NAME]

[YOUR ADDRESS LINE 1]

[TOWN / CITY, POSTCODE]

[YOUR EMAIL]

Invoice #: INV-001

Invoice date: [DATE]

Due date: [DATE + 14 DAYS]

Billed to:

[CLIENT NAME / COMPANY]

[CLIENT ADDRESS]

DescriptionAmount
[DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES RENDERED]Β£[AMOUNT]
TOTAL DUEΒ£[TOTAL]

Payment due 14 days from invoice date.

Bank: [BANK NAME] | Sort code: [XX-XX-XX] | Account: [XXXXXXXX]

Reference: INV-001

If VAT registered, add below the subtotal:

Subtotal (net)Β£[NET]
VAT (20%)Β£[VAT]
TOTAL (inc. VAT)Β£[GROSS]

VAT Registration Number: [YOUR VAT NUMBER]

What payment terms should you use?

UK law does not require specific payment terms, but courts expect them. Recommended:

Net 14 (14 days)

Best for most freelancers β€” professional and widely accepted

Net 7 (7 days)

Good for small/quick projects or trusted repeat clients

Net 30 (30 days)

Acceptable for large corporate clients β€” but it hurts cash flow

50% upfront

Best for projects over ~Β£500 β€” eliminates most non-payment risk

What if the client doesn't pay?

UK law is on your side. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act entitles you to:

βš–οΈ
Statutory interest: 8% + Bank of England base rate per annum (currently ~13.25%)
βš–οΈ
Fixed compensation: Β£40 for invoices under Β£1,000 / Β£70 for Β£1,000–£9,999 / Β£100 for Β£10,000+
βš–οΈ
Court recovery: Small claims court up to Β£10,000 β€” online via MCOL (gov.uk), Β£35+ filing fee

Automate your invoice follow-up

Chaser sends professional reminder emails automatically β€” so you don't have to remember or write them yourself. Free for 3 invoices.

Try Chaser free β†’Free invoice builder β†’

Related UK guides

Late Payment Fees β€” UK Legal EntitlementsLate Payment Letter Template β€” Including UK LBASmall Claims Court for Freelancers (UK/US/AU)Chaser vs Sage β€” UK Accounting