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Graft & Ledger

Invoice template for builders (UK): what to include

A clear invoice gets you paid faster and keeps HMRC happy. Here's a free checklist of what a UK builder's invoice should show, whether you use our template, a spreadsheet you've made yourself or a notepad.

Every invoice

  • The word "Invoice" and a unique invoice number
  • Your business name, address and contact details (a limited company also needs its registered name, number and registered office)
  • The customer's name and address
  • Invoice date and the date the work was done
  • A description of the work, with labour and materials shown separately
  • The amount due, any deposit already paid, and your payment terms and bank details

If you're VAT registered

Add your VAT registration number, the VAT rate (usually 20% for building work, though some work is reduced- or zero-rated), the net amount, the VAT and the total. If you aren't VAT registered, don't charge VAT.

If you work under CIS

As a subcontractor, show labour and materials separately: the contractor deducts CIS (20%, or 30% if you're not registered) from the labour only. Our free CIS Cheat Sheet has the rates, deadlines and a worked example. Note that the domestic reverse charge for VAT applies to many CIS jobs between VAT-registered businesses; check GOV.UK if that affects you.

Want it done for you?

Our UK Trades Quote & Invoice Kit (£9 + VAT) has a quote sheet, an invoice sheet with VAT on or off and an invoice log that flags overdue payments. It's an Excel workbook that also opens in Google Sheets.

Get the free CIS Cheat Sheet See the templates

General information, not tax or legal advice. Checked against GOV.UK on 21 October 2026. Rules change, so check GOV.UK or ask an accountant.