VAT in United Kingdom
These are the headline VAT rates in force in United Kingdom today. Apply the rate that fits each line; some goods and services use a reduced or zero rate.
- rate (Standard)
- 20%
- Reduced
- 5%
Reverse charge: for many cross-border B2B supplies the buyer accounts for the tax, so you invoice without it and add the reverse-charge note.
Tax IDs and registration
- Tax / VAT number
- Show your Tax / VAT number on the invoice when you are registered.
- Company register
- Companies House
Numbers, dates and currency
- Currency
- GBP
- Number format
- 1,234.56 (comma for thousands, point for decimals)
- Date format
- for example 28/07/2026
What every invoice must include
Wherever you invoice, these details are expected. FreeBillGen fills them in for you.
- Your business details
- Legal name, address and tax or VAT number.
- Customer details
- The buyer name and address (and their tax number for B2B cross-border).
- A unique invoice number
- Sequential, with no gaps, so each invoice is identifiable.
- Invoice date
- The issue date, plus the supply date when it differs.
- Line items
- A description, quantity and unit price for each line.
- Tax per rate
- The rate applied and the tax amount, grouped by rate.
- Totals
- The net total, the tax total and the gross total payable.
- Currency
- The currency of the amounts, especially for cross-border invoices.
E-invoicing in United Kingdom
Structured e-invoices become mandatory for businesses from April 1, 2029. FreeBillGen already exports a compliant Peppol or Factur-X file, free.
See the full United Kingdom e-invoicing rules
Invoicing in United Kingdom FAQ
What must an invoice include in United Kingdom?
An invoice should carry your details and tax number, the customer details, a unique invoice number and date, a line-by-line description with quantities and prices, the VAT rate and amount, and the net, tax and gross totals.
What is the VAT rate in United Kingdom?
The standard VAT rate in United Kingdom is 20%. Reduced and zero rates apply to some categories.
Do I need to send e-invoices in United Kingdom?
Yes. Structured e-invoicing applies to businesses in United Kingdom. FreeBillGen exports the compliant Peppol or Factur-X file for free.