Not sure what to include on an invoice you’re sending to a client? Here’s a quick guide to what to include!
Legal Information
There is some information that must legally be included on your invoices.
Firstly, you must clearly display the word ‘invoice’ on the document that you’re sending to the customer!
You must also include:
- a unique invoice number
- the date of the invoice
- your business name, address and contact information
- the business name and address of your customer
- a clear description of what you’re charging for
- the date you supplied the goods or services
- the amount you’re charging
- VAT amount (if applicable)
- the total amount owed
If your business is a limited company or LLP, your invoices must show the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation and its Companies House registered number and address.
If you’re registered for VAT you must include your VAT number on your invoices, and comply with HMRC’s rules about VAT invoices.
Description
Add a description to the invoice of the good(s) or service(s) that you’re providing to the customer. A clear description will help avoid any confusion for the customer (& potentially a resulting late payment too!)
Price
It should be immediately obvious to the customer how much they owe you. No-one wants to have that awkward conversation with a customer where you realise you’ve invoiced them too much or too little, so get it right first time.
Remember that if your business is VAT registered, HMRC require you to include the price per unit on your invoices.
Payment Information
How many times have you received an invoice, been ready to pay but then been searching for the payment details? As a customer it’s really annoying, so may sure this part of your invoice is as clear as possible, in order to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay you!
If you prefer payment via online banking or BACs, then make sure you clearly include your bank details.
Or if you send your invoices via email & use certain services such as GoCardless or PayPal, you can include a link in the email which allows customers to pay with just one click. Dead simple.
Remember that it’s up to you to decide on how quickly your customers pay you so decide on your payment terms & be sure to follow up quickly with customers if they aren’t sticking to them!
Branding
Your invoice should be in keeping with the rest of your business branding, so make sure it matches the logo, colours, fonts etc that you use elsewhere.
Also make sure that your company name & logo is clear – you want customers to clearly know that the invoice is from you & therefore is legitimate.
Get In Touch
If you need help with your invoicing or any accounting, don’t hesitate to get in touch. There’s a reason why we’re rated 5 stars across Google and Facebook!
