Free tool

Free invoice generator for UK tradesmen.

Create a clean invoice for plumbing, heating, electrical, building and other trade jobs. Add your customer, line items, VAT and bank details, then print or save as PDF. No signup, no email, runs in your browser.

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Invoicing basics

How to invoice as a self-employed tradesman

A good invoice is simple: it tells the customer who carried out the work, what was supplied, what they owe, and where to pay it. For a sole trader, show your trading name, address, contact details, a unique invoice number, the invoice date, the customer's details, a description of the work, and the total due.

If you run a limited company, use the company name and registered details your accountant expects on your paperwork. If you are VAT registered, include your VAT number, show the VAT rate and VAT amount, and keep your numbering tidy so every invoice is traceable. If you are not VAT registered, do not add VAT.

Payment terms are up to you, but Net 14 and Net 30 are common for trades work. Put the due date on the invoice and make the bank details obvious. For overdue business invoices, statutory late payment interest may apply under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts rules, though many small firms still start with a friendly reminder.

What's the difference between an invoice and a quote?

A quote comes before the job. It sets out your offer and price so the customer can accept it. An invoice comes after the work, or at an agreed milestone, and asks for payment.

The usual flow is quote, acceptance, do the work, send the invoice, get paid. If you are still pricing the job, use the free quote generator first.

Construction VAT

Reverse-charge VAT: do you need it on your invoice?

Some VAT-registered construction jobs use domestic reverse charge VAT, which changes who accounts for the VAT. It depends on the job, the customer and where you sit in the supply chain. We're adding a dedicated reverse-charge calculator next, and this page will link to it when it is live.

FAQ

Common invoice questions

What do I legally have to put on an invoice?

A UK invoice should show your business name and address, the customer name and address, a unique invoice number, invoice date, what was supplied, the amount due, and VAT details if you are VAT registered.

Do I need to add VAT?

Only add VAT if your business is VAT registered. If you are not VAT registered, leave VAT off the invoice and do not show a VAT number.

When can I charge for late payment?

For business customers, statutory late payment interest can apply once payment is overdue under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts rules. Many small trades businesses still choose to chase politely first.

Can I email an invoice or does it need to be posted?

Email is fine for most customers. The important bit is that the invoice is clear, complete and saved in your records.

How long should I keep invoices for HMRC?

Self-employed people generally need to keep business records for at least five years after the 31 January submission deadline for the relevant tax year. Limited companies normally keep records for six years.

Do I need to give the customer a receipt as well?

An invoice asks for payment. A receipt confirms payment has been received. For most jobs, a paid invoice or payment confirmation is enough, but some customers may ask for a receipt.

What's an invoice number, and do I have to use one?

An invoice number is a unique reference for that invoice. You should use a clear sequence so each invoice can be identified in your accounts.

No signup, no email

Open it, make the invoice, print or save. Nothing to join.

Business details saved locally

Your business details stay in your browser and are shared with the quote tool.

Print or save as PDF

Use the browser print dialog to save a clean A4 invoice.

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