Do I need to include my UTR number on invoices?

While not legally required, including your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) on invoices can help with record-keeping for self-assessment. It's good practice to include it alongside your business name and address.

Do self-employed people need to charge VAT?

You only need to charge VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £85,000 per year. Below this threshold, you can choose to register voluntarily but are not required to add VAT to your invoices.

How long should I keep my invoices?

HMRC requires self-employed individuals to keep business records including invoices for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year.

What payment terms should I include?

Common payment terms for self-employed workers include Net 14 (payment within 14 days), Net 30 (within 30 days), or due on receipt. Choose terms that work for your cash flow needs.

Can I create an invoice without a company name?

Yes, as a self-employed individual you can invoice under your own name. You do not need a registered company name, though using a trading name can appear more professional.

Invoice Receipt

Free Self-Employed Invoice Template

Download a free self-employed invoice template. HMRC-compliant designs for sole traders and freelancers. Customise, download as PDF, Word or Excel. No sign-up needed.

Create Your Self-Employed Invoice

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What Should a Self-Employed Invoice Include?

A professional self-employed invoice should include all the essential information your clients need to process payment quickly. Here's what every self-employed invoice must contain:

Your Business Details – Ensure this information is clearly displayed on every invoice you send.
Client Information – Ensure this information is clearly displayed on every invoice you send.
Invoice Number and Date – Ensure this information is clearly displayed on every invoice you send.
Description of Services – Ensure this information is clearly displayed on every invoice you send.
Payment Terms and Bank Details – Ensure this information is clearly displayed on every invoice you send.
VAT Information (If Registered) – Ensure this information is clearly displayed on every invoice you send.

Our free self-employed invoice template includes all these fields pre-configured, so you never miss any important details.

HMRC Requirements for Self-Employed Invoices

When invoicing as a self-employed professional in the UK, there are certain legal requirements you must follow. HMRC requires your invoices to include:

Your business name (or your own name if sole trader)
A unique invoice number in a sequential series
The date of the invoice
Your customer's name and address
A description of the goods or services provided
The total amount charged
If VAT registered: your VAT number, the VAT rate charged, and total VAT amount

Our free self-employed invoice template is designed to be fully HMRC compliant, with all required fields built in.

How to Create a Self-Employed Invoice

Creating a professional self-employed invoice takes less than 60 seconds with our free template. Follow these simple steps:

Choose Your Template

Select from our collection of free self-employed invoice templates. Pick a professional design that matches your brand.

Add Your Business Details

Enter your business name, address, contact information and any relevant registration numbers or certifications.

Enter Client Information

Add your client's name, company name, address and contact details for accurate record-keeping.

Add Your Line Items

List your self-employed services with descriptions, quantities, rates and amounts. Our template calculates totals automatically.

Download and Send

Review your invoice, download as PDF, Word or Excel, and send it to your client via email. It's that simple.

Download Your Free Self-Employed Invoice Template

Download your free self-employed invoice template in the format that works best for you:

PDF – Print-ready format, ideal for sending to clients via email
Word (.docx) – Fully editable in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Excel (.xlsx) – Spreadsheet format with automatic calculations
Online – Create and manage invoices directly in your browser

All templates are completely free with no sign-up required. Start creating professional self-employed invoices today.

Create Free Self-Employed Invoice

Self-Employed Invoice Template FAQ

Download your free self-employed invoice template in the format that works best for you:

PDF – Print-ready format, ideal for sending to clients via email
Word (.docx) – Fully editable in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Excel (.xlsx) – Spreadsheet format with automatic calculations
Online – Create and manage invoices directly in your browser

All templates are completely free with no sign-up required. Start creating professional self-employed invoices today.

Create Free Self-Employed Invoice

Common Self-Employed Invoice Line Items

Your self-employed invoice template comes pre-loaded with industry-specific line items. Customise them to match your exact services:

Consulting Services

Project Work

Hourly Rate Services

Travel Expenses

Materials

Administrative Work

Related Invoice Templates

Looking for a different industry? Browse our other free invoice templates: