Free Invoice Templates UK: 15+ Professional Templates for British Businesses
Download free UK invoice templates compliant with HMRC requirements. Professional invoice templates for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses. VAT and non-VAT options included.
Running a business in the UK means getting your invoicing right. Whether you're a freelancer sending your first invoice or a small business owner managing dozens of clients, having a professional, HMRC-compliant invoice template saves time and ensures you get paid faster.
We've compiled the most comprehensive collection of free UK invoice templates designed specifically for British businesses. Every template includes the essential elements required by HMRC, looks professional, and can be customised to match your brand.
What Makes a Valid UK Invoice?
Before diving into our template gallery, let's ensure you understand what HMRC requires on a valid invoice. Missing any of these elements could delay payment or cause issues with your tax records.
Essential Elements for All UK Invoices
Every invoice issued in the United Kingdom must contain:
- Your business name and contact details – Full name or trading name, address, and contact information
- Customer's name and address – The person or company you're billing
- Unique invoice number – Sequential numbering helps with record-keeping
- Invoice date – When the invoice was issued
- Description of goods or services – Clear breakdown of what you're charging for
- Amount due – The total payable, including any discounts
- Payment terms – When payment is due and how to pay
Additional Requirements for VAT-Registered Businesses
If you're VAT-registered (mandatory if turnover exceeds £85,000), your invoices must also include:
- Your VAT registration number
- VAT amount charged (at the correct rate)
- Total amount excluding VAT
- Total amount including VAT
- Rate of VAT charged per item/service
Missing VAT details on invoices is one of the most common compliance issues HMRC identifies during audits. Our VAT invoice templates have all fields pre-built so you never forget a required element.
Free UK Invoice Template Gallery
1. Standard UK Invoice Template
Best for: Freelancers, sole traders, small service businesses
Our most popular template. Clean, professional, and includes all HMRC-required fields. Perfect for service-based businesses billing for time or project work.
Features:
- Professional header with logo placement
- Clear line-item breakdown
- Payment terms section
- Bank details area
- Notes field for additional information
2. VAT Invoice Template UK
Best for: VAT-registered businesses, limited companies, larger enterprises
Fully compliant VAT invoice template with automatic VAT calculations. Supports multiple VAT rates (20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated) on a single invoice.
Features:
- VAT registration number field
- Multiple VAT rate support
- Automatic VAT calculations
- Net and gross totals
- HMRC-compliant format
3. Contractor Invoice Template UK
Best for: IT contractors, consultants, interim professionals
Designed for contractors working through agencies or directly with clients. Includes fields for contract reference, timesheet periods, and day rate calculations.
Features:
- Day rate and hourly rate options
- Timesheet period fields
- Contract/PO reference numbers
- IR35 status indicator (optional)
- Expenses section
4. Freelance Invoice Template UK
Best for: Creative freelancers, writers, designers, developers
Minimalist, creative-friendly design that maintains professionalism. Easy to brand with your colours and logo.
Features:
- Clean modern design
- Project name field
- Milestone/deliverable tracking
- Portfolio link option
- Flexible payment terms
5. Self-Employed Invoice Template
Best for: Sole traders, self-employed professionals, tradespeople
Straightforward template for self-employed individuals. No unnecessary complexity—just the essentials done right.
Features:
- Simple layout
- UTR number field (optional)
- Clear payment instructions
- Receipt acknowledgment option
- Mobile-friendly design
6. Limited Company Invoice Template UK
Best for: Ltd companies, registered businesses
Professional template with company registration details, registered address, and director information where required.
Features:
- Company registration number field
- Registered office address
- Director information (optional)
- VAT-ready fields
- Multi-currency support
7. Proforma Invoice Template UK
Best for: Businesses requiring payment before delivery, international trade
A proforma invoice isn't a true invoice—it's a quotation in invoice format. Useful for customs declarations and advance payment requests.
Features:
- "Proforma" watermark option
- Export/import fields
- Customs information section
- Currency conversion notes
- Terms and conditions area
8. Recurring Invoice Template
Best for: Subscription services, retainer clients, monthly billing
Template designed for repeat billing with consistent amounts. Easy to duplicate and update for each billing period.
Features:
- Billing period fields
- Recurring service descriptions
- Contract term reference
- Auto-increment invoice numbers
- Payment schedule notes
9. Construction Invoice Template UK
Best for: Builders, tradespeople, construction contractors
CIS-compliant template for the construction industry. Includes reverse charge VAT fields and CIS deduction calculations.
Features:
- CIS deduction fields
- Reverse charge VAT option
- Materials vs labour breakdown
- Site/project reference
- Retention calculation
10. Commercial Invoice Template UK
Best for: Exporters, international trade, customs documentation
Full commercial invoice for international transactions. Includes all fields required for customs clearance.
Features:
- HS/commodity codes
- Country of origin
- Incoterms field
- Weight and dimensions
- Shipping terms
How to Customise Your Invoice Template
Downloading a template is just the start. Here's how to make it work for your business:
Step 1: Add Your Branding
Upload your logo, adjust colours to match your brand, and add your business tagline if you have one. Consistent branding across all client touchpoints builds trust and recognition.
Step 2: Set Your Payment Terms
Be specific. "Payment due within 30 days" is clearer than "Net 30." Include your preferred payment method and bank details. The easier you make it to pay, the faster you'll receive payment.
Step 3: Create a Numbering System
Sequential invoice numbers are essential for record-keeping. Consider including the year (INV-2026-001) or client codes (ABC-001) for easier organisation.
Step 4: Add Your Payment Methods
Make it easy for clients to pay you. Include:
- Bank account details (sort code and account number)
- PayPal address
- Stripe or card payment link
- Any other payment options you accept
Common Invoice Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a perfect template, these errors can delay your payments:
1. Missing or Incorrect Invoice Numbers HMRC requires sequential numbering. Gaps or duplicates can trigger audit questions.
2. Vague Descriptions "Consulting services" tells the client nothing. Be specific: "Website UX consultation – 4 hours @ £75/hour"
3. Forgetting Payment Details Every invoice should include your bank details or payment link. Don't make clients ask how to pay you.
4. Wrong VAT Rate Different goods and services attract different VAT rates. Using the wrong rate is a compliance issue.
5. Not Following Up The best invoice means nothing if you don't chase late payments. Set up reminders for every invoice you send.
Why Free Templates Have Limits
Our free templates are perfect for getting started. However, as your business grows, you'll likely encounter these limitations:
- Manual data entry – Re-typing client details for each invoice
- No automatic calculations – Prone to arithmetic errors
- No payment tracking – Manually checking what's paid vs outstanding
- No late payment reminders – Forgetting to chase overdue invoices
- Version control issues – Which template version is current?
Upgrade to Automated Invoicing with 1nvoic3
When spreadsheets and templates start holding you back, 1nvoic3.com offers the natural next step.
What You Get with 1nvoic3:
✅ Create professional invoices in seconds – Client details auto-populate, calculations are automatic
✅ Send invoices directly from the platform – No downloading, attaching, or emailing manually
✅ Automatic payment reminders – Set it and forget it. We chase late payments so you don't have to
✅ Real-time payment tracking – Dashboard shows exactly what's paid, pending, and overdue
✅ HMRC-compliant – Every invoice meets UK tax requirements automatically
✅ Recurring invoices – Set up once, bill monthly without lifting a finger
✅ Multi-currency support – Bill international clients in their preferred currency
Start Free, Upgrade When Ready
1nvoic3 offers a generous free tier that beats any spreadsheet template. Create unlimited invoices, add your branding, and only upgrade when you need advanced features like automation and integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a legal invoice format in the UK?
No single legal format exists, but HMRC requires specific information on all invoices. As long as your invoice contains the mandatory elements, you're compliant.
Do I need to send a VAT invoice if I'm not VAT-registered?
No. If you're not VAT-registered, you cannot charge VAT and shouldn't use a VAT invoice. Use a standard invoice template instead.
Can I invoice in a foreign currency?
Yes. UK businesses can invoice in any currency. However, you must record the transaction in GBP for tax purposes using the exchange rate on the invoice date.
How long should I keep invoices?
HMRC requires you to keep records for at least 6 years. Digital copies are acceptable as long as they're legible and accessible.
What if a client disputes my invoice?
Address it promptly. Common issues include unclear descriptions or unexpected charges. Having clear payment terms agreed upfront prevents most disputes.
Download Your Free UK Invoice Template Today
Choose the template that matches your business, customise it with your details, and start sending professional invoices immediately.
For automated invoicing that saves hours every week, create your free 1nvoic3 account and experience the difference proper invoicing software makes.
Last updated: February 2026
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