Free invoice template for UK sole traders
Copy the layout below into any document, swap in your details, and send it. It covers everything a UK sole trader invoice needs — no account required. Prefer a version filled in for your trade? Jump to free per-trade templates.
The template — copy and paste
INVOICE
Invoice No: 001 Date: DD/MM/YYYY
From: Your Business Name To: Customer Name
Your Address Customer Address
Your Phone / Email
| Description of Work | Amount |
|----------------------------------------|----------|
| e.g. Replace kitchen tap, parts+labour | £120.00 |
| e.g. Second fix electrics (3 hrs) | £135.00 |
|----------------------------------------|----------|
| Subtotal | £255.00 |
| VAT (if registered) | £0.00 |
| TOTAL DUE | £255.00 |
Payment terms: Please pay within 14 days.
Bank transfer to: Sort Code 00-00-00, Account 12345678
Reference: [invoice no.]
Late payment: Interest and compensation may be charged
on overdue commercial debts under the Late Payment of
Commercial Debts Act 2002.How to fill it in
- Invoice number: start at 001 and count up. Never reuse a number.
- Description: be specific — “new consumer unit, EICR included” beats “electrical work”. Specific descriptions settle disputes before they start.
- Dates: the invoice date starts the payment clock, so date it the day you send it.
- Payment terms: state a calendar date (“pay by 21/07”) as well as the day count — customers remember dates better.
- Bank details: a reference field gets your invoice number onto their bank transfer, making matching painless.
What to do when the invoice isn't paid
Most late payers just need reminding. Send a polite nudge at 7 days overdue, firmer at 14, and a final demand at 30 — our free late payment letter templates cover all three. From day one on commercial debts you can add 8% + Bank of England base rate interest plus £40–£100 compensation, even if the invoice never mentioned it.
Free invoice templates per trade
Same layout, pre-filled with the services each trade actually bills for:
Invoice template FAQs
What must an invoice include by law in the UK?
A unique invoice number, your business name and address, the customer's name and address, an invoice date, a clear description of the work, the total amount due, and your payment terms. Sole traders who are VAT-registered must also show their VAT registration number and the VAT charged.
Do sole traders need to number invoices?
Yes. Every invoice needs a unique reference number so you and HMRC can match invoices to bank payments and tax records. Sequential numbering (001, 002, 003…) is the simplest system.
What payment terms should a tradesperson use?
7 or 14 days is standard for small jobs; 30 days for larger commercial work. Shorter terms get paid faster — and under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act you can charge interest and £40–£100 compensation on overdue business invoices regardless of what the invoice says.
Is this invoice template suitable for CIS subcontractors?
The layout works, but CIS subcontractors should also show the labour element separately and note that CIS deductions apply. TradeTally's dedicated CIS invoice software handles the deduction maths automatically.
Or stop typing invoices altogether
TradeTally builds this invoice for you from the job — customer, line items, totals and payment tracking included, SA103F-ready at tax time. Free 14-day trial, no card.