Sole trader invoice template
Most UK sole traders are under the £90,000 VAT threshold and bill without VAT. This template starts with no VAT — fill in your details, add your work and download a tidy PDF. Registered for VAT? Turn it on with one toggle.
Saved on this device only — nothing is uploaded.
Invoice details
Your business
Non-VAT mode: no VAT is shown. Correct if your turnover is under £90,000.
Stored on your device only and embedded in the PDF. PNG or JPG, under 1MB.
Bill to (your client)
CIS (construction)
Appearance
Items
Discount, deposit & payment
Receiving a deposit can create a VAT tax point. Check HMRC guidance if unsure.
Your business name
Invoice
INV-0001
Not VAT registered
No VAT is charged on this invoice
Bill to
Client name
- Invoice date
- 15/06/2026
| Description | Qty | Unit | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
- Net total
- £0.00
- Total
- £0.00
What a sole trader invoice needs
You invoice as yourself, so use your own name (and a trading name if you have one) plus your address and contact details. Every invoice also needs a unique invoice number, the date, a clear description of what you did, the amount due and how to pay you. There's no legal need for a company number — you're not a limited company.
VAT: most sole traders leave it off
If you're not VAT registered you must not add VAT or show a VAT number — your prices simply stand on their own. Keep an eye on your rolling 12-month turnover: cross £90,000 and you must register. See whether you need to charge VAT, or use the non-VAT invoice generator if you'd rather the VAT fields were gone entirely.
A typical sole trader invoice
Example line items you might add:
- Design work — 12 hours @ £40
- Callout & first hour — fixed £75
- Materials supplied at cost
Frequently asked questions
Do sole traders need to put a company number on invoices?
No. Company numbers only apply to limited companies. As a sole trader you invoice in your own name (or trading name) — you don't have, and shouldn't show, a company number.
Can a sole trader invoice without VAT?
Yes. If you are not VAT registered you must invoice with no VAT and no VAT number. That is correct and compliant for businesses under the £90,000 threshold.
What should a sole trader invoice number look like?
Anything unique and sequential — for example INV-0001, INV-0002. Keep the run unbroken so your records are easy to follow.