Docaro

UK Invoice Types And Use Cases

Created:
Understanding UK invoice types helps businesses choose the right document for sales, tax, and record-keeping needs. This guide supports users creating an AI Generated Invoice for use in the United Kingdom with clearer, more compliant choices.
Invoice Type
Purpose
Transaction Context
Requires Invoice Number
UK Drafting Notes
After supply
Standard invoice
Requests payment for completed goods or services supplied on credit terms.
Goods and services
true
Include supplier and customer details, clear description, invoice date, unique invoice number, amount due, payment terms and VAT details if VAT registered.
VAT invoice
Provides VAT evidence for a taxable supply between VAT-registered parties.
Goods and services
true
Show unique sequential number, tax point, VAT registration number, VAT rate, VAT amount, net amount and gross total.
Simplified VAT invoice
Records lower-value retail VAT sales using reduced invoice details.
Goods and services
true
Generally used for supplies not exceeding £250 including VAT
include supplier details, VAT number, tax point, description and VAT-inclusive total.
Modified VAT invoice
Shows VAT details for retail supplies above simplified invoice limits.
Goods and services
true
May show VAT-inclusive values but must include enough VAT information for input tax claims when requested.
Before supply
Pro forma invoice
States intended charges before supply or final invoicing
not usually a tax invoice.
Goods and services
false
Mark clearly as pro forma and not a VAT invoice
replace with a valid invoice once the tax point arises.
Quotation invoice
Sets out proposed prices before acceptance, often formatted like an invoice.
Goods and services
false
Label as quotation, include validity period, exclusions and VAT position
avoid wording that implies immediate payment is due.
Estimate invoice
Gives an approximate expected charge before the final scope or quantity is known.
Goods and services
false
State that figures are estimates, identify assumptions, VAT treatment and when a final invoice will be issued.
At payment request
Interim invoice
Requests part payment during a project before final completion.
Services
true
Refer to milestone, period or valuation, show previous amounts invoiced, VAT treatment and balance remaining.
After supply
Final invoice
Requests the final balance once work or supply is complete.
Goods and services
true
Deduct deposits, interim invoices, credits and retention
state final amount payable and VAT correctly.
Before supply
Deposit invoice
Requests an upfront part payment before full supply is completed.
Goods and services
true
For VAT, advance payment can create a tax point
state deposit amount, VAT, balance due and refund terms.
Advance payment invoice
Requests full or partial payment before goods or services are delivered.
Goods and services
true
Make clear whether payment creates a VAT tax point
describe later supply and how any balance will be invoiced.
Prepayment invoice
Collects payment in advance for future supply, often for services or licences.
Services
true
State covered period, VAT treatment, refund terms and whether further invoices will follow after performance.
At recurring interval
Recurring invoice
Bills the same customer repeatedly for ongoing goods or services.
Recurring billing
true
Use a unique number for each invoice
specify billing period, renewal basis, VAT rate and payment method.
Subscription invoice
Bills periodic access to software, membership, media or other subscriptions.
Recurring billing
true
State subscription term, auto-renewal, cancellation route, VAT treatment and whether charges are in advance or arrears.
Retainer invoice
Requests payment for reserved professional capacity or ongoing advisory services.
Services
true
Identify covered period, scope, unused time rules, expenses, VAT and termination provisions.
After supply
Timesheet invoice
Bills services by hours or days worked during a stated period.
Services
true
Attach or reference approved timesheets, day rates, expenses, VAT and payment terms.
At payment request
Milestone invoice
Requests payment when a defined project milestone is reached.
Services
true
Identify contractual milestone, acceptance evidence, percentage or amount due, VAT and any holdbacks.
Progress invoice
Bills staged work by percentage completion or measured progress.
Services
true
Show contract value, percentage complete, prior applications, current amount, retention, VAT and balance to completion.
Construction interim invoice
Requests payment during construction works under staged contractual payment provisions.
Services
true
Align with contract payment dates, valuation rules, payment notice process, retention and construction VAT domestic reverse charge where relevant.
Retention invoice
Requests release of retained sums after completion or defects period.
Services
true
Reference original contract, retention percentage, completion certificate or defects expiry, VAT treatment and remaining deductions.
After supply
Domestic reverse charge invoice
Invoices specified construction services where the customer accounts for VAT.
Services
true
Do not charge VAT to the customer
state that the VAT domestic reverse charge applies and show the VAT rate due.
After correction
Credit note
Reduces or cancels an earlier invoice after an overcharge, return or allowance.
Credit adjustment
true
Reference original invoice, state reason, amounts credited and VAT adjustment
keep a clear audit trail.
VAT credit note
Adjusts VAT and taxable value down after a VAT invoice has been issued.
Credit adjustment
true
Include credit note number, date, original invoice reference, VAT rate, VAT amount reduced and reason for adjustment.
Debit note
Increases the amount payable after an undercharge or extra supply.
Credit adjustment
true
Reference original invoice or supply, explain the additional charge and show VAT correctly where applicable.
Corrected invoice
Replaces an invoice containing administrative or charging errors.
Goods and services
true
Avoid deleting the original record
mark replacement clearly and preserve links to credit or debit adjustments.
Cancellation invoice
Documents cancellation of a mistaken or no-longer-payable invoice.
Credit adjustment
true
Use a credit note where VAT or accounts have been affected
retain the original invoice for audit purposes.
Before supply
Commercial export invoice
Supports customs clearance and payment for goods exported from the UK.
Goods
true
Include seller, buyer, goods description, value, currency, origin, commodity codes, Incoterms and export VAT status.
Customs pro forma invoice
Provides customs details for non-sale shipments such as samples, gifts or replacements.
Goods
false
State no sale if applicable, give realistic customs value, goods description, origin, commodity codes and reason for export.
After supply
Export VAT invoice
Records exported goods and supports zero-rating where conditions are met.
Goods
true
Keep export evidence, state zero-rated VAT where applicable and include shipping, destination and customer details.
Before supply
Import invoice
Documents goods bought from overseas for import valuation and accounting.
Goods
true
Ensure value, currency, seller, buyer, origin, commodity code and freight terms match customs declarations.
After supply
Self-billing invoice
Customer prepares the VAT invoice on behalf of the supplier.
Goods and services
true
Requires a self-billing agreement
include supplier VAT details, customer-generated invoice number and VAT information.
Purchase invoice
Records an invoice received from a supplier for business purchases.
Goods and services
true
For internal records, capture supplier invoice number, date, net, VAT, gross, tax point and evidence for VAT recovery.
Supplier invoice
Supplier-issued document demanding payment for supplied goods or services.
Goods and services
true
Check legal name, VAT number, bank details, payment terms and purchase order reference before payment.
Sales invoice
Seller-issued invoice recording revenue and requesting payment from a customer.
Goods and services
true
Use a unique invoice number
show seller details, customer details, items supplied, price, VAT if applicable and due date.
Service invoice
Bills professional, consultancy, trade or other services supplied.
Services
true
Describe service scope, period, rate or fixed fee, expenses, VAT treatment and payment terms.
Goods invoice
Bills physical products supplied to a customer.
Goods
true
Include product description, quantities, unit prices, delivery details, VAT rate, discounts and title or risk terms if relevant.
Mixed supply invoice
Bills goods and services with different descriptions, rates or VAT treatments.
Goods and services
true
Separate line items by VAT rate or liability
avoid combining taxable, zero-rated and exempt items ambiguously.
Zero-rated VAT invoice
Records taxable supplies charged at 0% VAT.
Goods and services
true
Show 0% VAT rate and keep evidence supporting zero-rating, such as export evidence or product liability basis.
Exempt supply invoice
Records supplies outside VAT charging because they are exempt.
Goods and services
true
Do not charge VAT
state exempt where helpful and consider partial exemption implications for input tax recovery.
Non-VAT invoice
Bills customers where the supplier is not VAT registered or VAT is not charged.
Goods and services
true
Do not show VAT as charged
avoid using a VAT registration number unless registered
include ordinary invoice essentials.
Sole trader invoice
Requests payment from a customer for work or goods supplied by a sole trader.
Goods and services
true
Include sole trader name and any business name, address, unique number, description, price and VAT details if registered.
Limited company invoice
Requests payment using a UK companyu0027s registered corporate details.
Goods and services
true
Include full company name as on Companies House, registered office if required, company number where used, VAT number if registered and payment details.
Purchase order invoice
Matches a customer purchase order for procurement approval and payment.
Goods and services
true
Quote the PO number, buyer entity, delivery or service reference, agreed prices and VAT treatment to avoid rejection.
At payment request
Expense reimbursement invoice
Claims reimbursable costs incurred while providing services.
Services
true
Distinguish disbursements from recharged expenses
attach receipts and apply VAT correctly to onward charges.
Disbursement invoice
Passes on costs paid as agent for the customer rather than as supplier expenses.
Services
true
Only treat as disbursement if agency conditions are met
list separately from taxable fees and retain third-party evidence.
Late payment interest invoice
Claims statutory or contractual interest and compensation on overdue commercial debts.
Services
true
State original invoice, overdue period, interest rate, compensation, calculation basis and whether VAT applies to any separate charge.
At recurring interval
Rent invoice
Requests rent or licence fees for occupation of property.
Recurring billing
true
State rent period, property, lease reference, VAT position, option to tax if applicable, service charge and payment date.
Service charge invoice
Bills property service charges such as maintenance, insurance or shared facilities.
Recurring billing
true
Identify property, service period, apportionment, VAT treatment, reserve fund items and lease basis.
Royalty invoice
Bills licence fees or royalties for use of intellectual property.
Services
true
Reference licence agreement, royalty period, calculation basis, sales reports, withholding tax issues and VAT treatment.
After supply
Commission invoice
Claims commission earned on introductions, sales or agency activity.
Services
true
State commission period, transactions, rate, exclusions, VAT treatment and supporting sales schedule.
Agency invoice
Bills agency fees or principal transactions handled through an agent.
Services
true
Clarify whether billing as agent or principal, separate commission, client money, VAT and third-party charges.
Before supply
Consignment invoice
Documents goods sent to a consignee for sale, often before final sale proceeds are known.
Goods
false
State consignment status, ownership retained, quantities, expected prices, commission and when a final sales invoice is issued.
After supply
Delivery invoice
Bills delivery, carriage or shipping charges separately from goods.
Services
true
Specify shipment reference, delivery date, address, carrier charges and VAT treatment linked to the underlying supply.
At recurring interval
Consolidated invoice
Combines multiple deliveries, jobs or orders into one invoice for a period.
Goods and services
true
List each supply with dates, references and VAT treatment
ensure tax points and records support the consolidated total.
Statement invoice
Summarises invoices, credits and payments to show an account balance.
Recurring billing
false
Do not present as a VAT invoice unless it contains valid invoice details
reference underlying invoice numbers and due balances.
Balance forward invoice
Carries forward unpaid balances and adds new current charges.
Recurring billing
true
Separate new taxable supplies from previously invoiced arrears to avoid duplicating VAT or revenue.
After supply
Electronic invoice
Issues an invoice digitally rather than on paper.
Goods and services
true
Ensure authenticity, integrity and readability
retain digital records in line with VAT and accounting requirements.
Public sector e-invoice
Allows electronic invoicing to public authorities under public procurement e-invoicing rules.
Goods and services
true
Use the required electronic standard or buyer portal format and include PO references, supplier identifiers and VAT data.
At payment request
Payment request invoice
Requests payment where the document may not yet be a final VAT invoice.
Goods and services
false
Label carefully, state payment purpose and issue a valid VAT invoice when required by VAT rules.
Application for payment
Requests valuation and payment under a construction contract before certification or invoice.
Services
false
Follow contract payment timetable
identify valuation date, work measured, materials, variations, retention and VAT implications.
After supply
Fee note
Requests professional fees, commonly used by advisers, consultants and experts.
Services
true
State professional services performed, matter reference, time or fixed fee, expenses, VAT and payment terms.
Legal services invoice
Bills solicitorsu0027 fees, disbursements and expenses for legal work.
Services
true
Separate profit costs, VAT and disbursements
include client or matter reference and comply with client money rules where relevant.
Healthcare invoice
Bills private healthcare, clinical reports or related medical services.
Services
true
Check whether the service is VAT exempt healthcare or taxable administrative work
protect patient data in descriptions.
Charity invoice
Bills charity trading, services, grants or reimbursed costs with charity-specific VAT considerations.
Goods and services
true
Identify whether payment is consideration for a supply, donation, grant or exempt activity
apply charity VAT reliefs only where valid.
Reverse charge services invoice
Invoices cross-border B2B services where the customer accounts for VAT.
Services
true
State reverse charge applies, identify customer VAT details where relevant and do not charge UK VAT if outside UK place of supply.
VAT margin scheme invoice
Invoices eligible second-hand goods, art, antiques or collectorsu0027 items under a margin scheme.
Goods
true
Do not show VAT separately
include required margin scheme wording and maintain purchase and stock records.
Second-hand vehicle margin invoice
Bills eligible used vehicles sold under the VAT margin scheme.
Goods
true
Do not disclose VAT separately
include vehicle details, mileage, registration, margin scheme wording and sale price.
CIS subcontractor invoice
Bills construction work where Construction Industry Scheme deductions may apply.
Services
true
Separate labour and materials, show VAT correctly, state UTR or CIS details if agreed and do not deduct CIS from materials.
Receipt invoice
Confirms payment received and may also evidence the sale where invoice details are present.
Goods and services
false
Do not rely on a basic receipt for VAT recovery unless it contains required VAT invoice information.
Retail receipt invoice
Provides point-of-sale evidence for retail purchases, often as a simplified VAT invoice.
Goods and services
false
For VAT claims, ensure receipt shows supplier VAT number, tax point, description and VAT rate or VAT-inclusive amount as required.
At recurring interval
Instalment invoice
Requests one scheduled instalment under a payment plan or contract.
Recurring billing
true
State instalment number, total contract price, previous payments, remaining balance, VAT tax point and default consequences.
At payment request
Hire purchase invoice
Bills goods supplied under hire purchase or conditional sale arrangements.
Goods
true
Separate goods price, finance charges, VAT and payment schedule
consumer credit rules may apply.
At recurring interval
Hire invoice
Bills temporary hire of equipment, vehicles or assets.
Goods
true
State hire period, asset ID, rates, deposit, damage charges, insurance, VAT and return obligations.
Before supply
Warranty invoice
Bills extended warranty, repair cover or warranty-related charges.
Services
true
Identify covered item, term, exclusions, insurance element, VAT or insurance premium tax treatment and cancellation rights if consumer-facing.
After supply
Repair invoice
Bills labour, parts and call-out charges for repair work.
Goods and services
true
Separate labour, parts, diagnostic fees, warranty work, VAT and customer authorisation for extra charges.
Before supply
Insurance premium invoice
Requests payment of insurance premium and related taxes or fees.
Services
true
Show policy period, premium, Insurance Premium Tax, broker fees and insurer or intermediary details
VAT is generally not charged on insurance.
At payment request
Grant claim invoice
Requests grant drawdown or reimbursement under a funding agreement.
Services
false
State funding agreement, eligible costs, evidence, milestones and whether payment is outside VAT or consideration for a supply.
Donation request invoice
Requests or acknowledges voluntary donations rather than payment for a supply.
Services
false
Avoid describing voluntary donations as consideration
separate any taxable benefits, sponsorship or advertising charges.
Before supply
Sponsorship invoice
Bills sponsorship benefits such as advertising, branding or event rights.
Services
true
Describe benefits supplied, event or campaign dates, VAT treatment and distinguish sponsorship from pure donation.
After supply
Factored invoice
Invoice assigned to a factor or finance provider for collection or funding.
Goods and services
true
Include assignment or payment notice, correct remittance account, original invoice details and VAT treatment unchanged.
At payment request
Finance charge invoice
Bills interest, finance fees or credit charges linked to payment terms.
Services
true
Specify contractual basis and calculation
check whether the charge is exempt finance, compensation or taxable fee.
After correction
Cancellation fee invoice
Claims a fee payable when a booking, contract or service is cancelled.
Services
true
Reference cancellation terms, calculation, VAT treatment and whether any advance payment is retained or credited.
At recurring interval
Minimum charge invoice
Bills a contractual minimum amount where usage or work is below threshold.
Recurring billing
true
State minimum commitment, actual usage, shortfall, billing period, VAT and contract clause.
Usage-based invoice
Bills metered consumption such as utilities, telecoms, storage or API usage.
Recurring billing
true
Show billing period, meter or usage data, unit rates, thresholds, VAT and dispute process for readings.
Utility invoice
Bills electricity, gas, water or similar utilities by period and usage.
Recurring billing
true
State supply address, billing period, readings or estimates, standing charges, VAT rate and climate or regulatory charges where applicable.
Telecoms invoice
Bills phone, broadband, data or communications services.
Recurring billing
true
Show service numbers, billing period, usage, recurring charges, VAT and any early termination or roaming charges.
Before supply
Software licence invoice
Bills software licences, SaaS access or digital services.
Services
true
State licence term, users, renewal, VAT place-of-supply treatment and customer VAT details for B2B cross-border supplies.
Training invoice
Bills training courses, workshops or education services.
Services
true
State course date, attendee, cancellation terms, VAT status and whether the provider qualifies for education exemption.
Event invoice
Bills event tickets, venue hire, catering, sponsorship or exhibitor fees.
Goods and services
true
State event date, location, ticket or package, VAT treatment, cancellation terms and any deposit applied.
After supply
Hospitality invoice
Bills accommodation, catering, venue or hospitality services.
Goods and services
true
Itemise room, food, drink, service charges and VAT rates
identify business guest or booking reference where needed.
Before supply
Travel invoice
Bills transport, accommodation or travel agency services.
Services
true
State itinerary, traveller, ticket references, VAT or TOMS treatment where relevant and cancellation terms.
After supply
Passenger transport invoice
Bills passenger transport fares or charter transport services.
Services
true
Check zero-rating or standard-rating by vehicle capacity and service type
show route, date and passenger details if needed.
Freight invoice
Bills freight transport, forwarding or associated logistics services.
Services
true
Identify shipment, route, consignor, consignee, freight terms and VAT treatment for UK, export or international transport.
At recurring interval
Storage invoice
Bills warehousing, storage units or inventory holding charges.
Recurring billing
true
State storage period, location, goods reference, space used, insurance, access charges and VAT treatment.
Warehouse handling invoice
Bills picking, packing, handling, fulfilment or warehousing services.
Services
true
Show service period, order volumes, unit rates, storage charges, materials, VAT and service-level adjustments.
After supply
Manufacturing invoice
Bills made-to-order goods, materials, labour and production charges.
Goods and services
true
Reference order, specification, batch, delivery, tooling, materials, VAT and retention of title if relevant.
Wholesale invoice
Bills bulk goods supplied to trade customers or retailers.
Goods
true
Include SKU, quantities, unit prices, discounts, delivery note references, VAT rates and payment terms.
Drop-shipping invoice
Bills goods fulfilled by a third party directly to the customer.
Goods
true
Clarify seller of record, delivery details, VAT liability, import position and separate supplier invoices.
Marketplace invoice
Bills sales made through an online marketplace or platform.
Goods and services
true
Identify seller, platform fees, VAT responsibility, order ID and whether marketplace deemed supplier rules apply.
At recurring interval
Platform fee invoice
Bills fees charged by a platform, marketplace or payment processor.
Services
true
State gross sales, fees, VAT on fees, refunds, chargebacks, payout period and platform VAT registration details.
After correction
Refund invoice
Documents money returned to a customer after payment.
Credit adjustment
true
Usually issue a credit note linked to the original invoice
show refund method, VAT reduction and reason.
Bad debt relief adjustment
Supports VAT bad debt relief where an invoice remains unpaid.
Credit adjustment
false
Keep original invoice and records
claim only when statutory conditions and timing for VAT bad debt relief are met.
Before supply
Payment on account invoice
Requests an account payment before final fees or costs are known.
Services
true
State that it is on account, explain later reconciliation, VAT tax point and refund or top-up process.
After supply
Call-off invoice
Bills goods or services drawn down under a framework or call-off contract.
Goods and services
true
Reference framework, call-off order, delivery or service period, agreed rates, VAT and remaining contract allowance.
At payment request
Staged supply invoice
Bills one stage of a longer supply contract as it becomes due.
Goods and services
true
Identify stage, tax point, previous stages, contract value, VAT and balance outstanding.
At recurring interval
Continuous supply invoice
Bills ongoing services supplied continuously over time.
Recurring billing
true
State service period, payment date, VAT tax point, renewal terms and any arrears or advance element.
After correction
Tax-only invoice
Charges VAT only where VAT was omitted or becomes due separately.
Credit adjustment
true
Reference original supply, explain VAT-only adjustment and ensure customer can identify the tax point and VAT rate.
After supply
Contractor invoice
Bills independent contractor services under a contract for services.
Services
true
State contractor name, period, deliverables or days worked, expenses, VAT if registered and client reference.
International services invoice
Bills services supplied to or from overseas customers.
Services
true
Determine place of supply, customer status, VAT number, reverse charge wording, currency and exchange rate if needed.
Foreign currency invoice
Bills in a currency other than sterling.
Goods and services
true
Show currency, VAT in sterling where required, exchange rate basis, payment account and bank charges responsibility.
Retention of title invoice
Bills goods while preserving seller ownership until payment under contract terms.
Goods
true
Reference retention of title terms, delivery note, goods description, VAT, payment deadline and repossession rights if contracted.
After correction
Returns credit invoice
Credits goods returned by the customer after a sales invoice was issued.
Credit adjustment
true
Link to return authorisation and original invoice
show quantities returned, restocking fees and VAT credit.
Discount credit note
Applies a post-sale discount or rebate to a previous invoice.
Credit adjustment
true
State discount basis, original invoice, net reduction, VAT reduction and whether it is settlement discount or volume rebate.
Debit memo invoice
Adds charges not included in an original invoice, often internal terminology for a debit note.
Credit adjustment
true
Use clear numbering, reason, original reference, VAT treatment and due date for the added amount.
After supply
Tax receipt
Provides VAT evidence for a small purchase where a full invoice is not issued.
Goods and services
false
For VAT recovery, it must contain sufficient simplified VAT invoice details and be retained with purchase records.
At payment request
Partial invoice
Bills part of an order or contract separately from the remaining balance.
Goods and services
true
State what proportion is invoiced, remaining balance, prior payments, VAT and related order or contract reference.

Which Invoice Type Should A UK Business Use?

Use a VAT invoice or modified VAT invoice where the supply is taxable and the customer needs VAT evidence. Use a simplified VAT invoice only for qualifying lower-value retail supplies, and use a VAT credit note or VAT debit note where the VAT position changes after invoicing.

When Is An Invoice Not A Demand For Payment?

A pro forma invoice is normally issued before supply or payment and should be clearly marked as not being a VAT invoice. It is commonly used for quotations, customs, or advance approval, but it should not be treated as the final tax invoice.

What Details Matter Most On UK Invoices?

  • Sequential numbering is expected for formal sales invoices and VAT invoices; credit notes and debit notes should also be identifiable and link to the original invoice where relevant.
  • VAT invoices must include required VAT details such as the supplier VAT number, tax point, VAT rate and amount, and sufficient description of the goods or services.
  • Recurring and subscription invoices should state the billing period, payment terms, VAT treatment, and cancellation or contract reference where useful.
  • Retention, interim, and final invoices used in construction and professional services should clearly state the valuation period, contract basis, previous payments, deductions, retention, and balance due.

How Do Corrections Work For UK Invoices?

Do not usually delete or overwrite an issued invoice. If the amount is reduced, issue a credit note; if the amount is increased, issue a debit note or additional invoice. For VAT, correction documents should preserve an audit trail and refer back to the original invoice.

UK Invoice Types and Use Cases
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FAQs

The main types include standard invoices, pro forma invoices, VAT invoices, credit notes, debit notes, interim invoices, recurring invoices, final invoices, commercial invoices, and self-billing invoices.
Show All FAQs

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References and Information Sources