Tax-compliant invoice

Free VAT invoice template — tax shown the way your accountant wants it.

A VAT invoice has to show one thing very clearly: the tax. invoice44's tax-aware templates calculate subtotal, VAT amount and total separately, support your tax ID and the client's, and work for UK, EU, GCC, Indian GST, African VAT and any other percentage-based sales tax system. Free, no signup, PDF/Word/PNG export.

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What a VAT invoice must show

The exact rules vary by jurisdiction, but most VAT/GST regimes require the same core elements. invoice44 supports all of them.

  • The words "VAT invoice" (or "Tax invoice" in some systems) clearly visible
  • Your business name, address, and VAT/tax ID
  • Your client's name, address, and (where required) VAT ID
  • Unique invoice number in a sequential series
  • Issue date and supply date
  • Line items with description, quantity and unit price
  • Subtotal (the taxable amount, exclusive of tax)
  • VAT rate (e.g. 20%, 7.5%, 15%) and VAT amount on a separate line
  • Grand total (subtotal + VAT)
  • Currency shown clearly with the code (e.g. GBP, EUR, NGN, AED)

Works for these tax systems

UK VAT (20% / 5% / 0%)

Standard, reduced and zero-rated supplies. Reverse charge notes supported via footer text.

EU VAT

Country-specific rates (19% Germany, 21% Spain, 25% Denmark, etc.). Reverse charge for B2B intra-EU.

UAE / KSA VAT (5% / 15%)

GCC tax invoice format with supplier and recipient tax IDs.

Indian GST

CGST / SGST / IGST as separate line items via custom tax label.

South African VAT (15%)

"Tax invoice" label, VAT registration number, dual-currency where invoicing in foreign currency.

Nigerian VAT (7.5%)

VAT-registered businesses can show VAT line + TIN on every invoice.

How to issue a VAT invoice with invoice44

  1. Open invoice44

    Browser only. No signup.

  2. Add your VAT ID in the business block

    Type it after your business name. It will appear in the header of every invoice.

  3. Add the client (and their VAT ID where required)

    Especially for B2B EU supplies under reverse charge.

  4. Set the tax rate

    Use 20 for UK VAT, 19 for Germany, 5 for UAE, 7.5 for Nigeria, etc. The template calculates VAT amount automatically.

  5. Choose a "Business" or "Classic" template

    These categories format subtotal/VAT/total most clearly.

  6. Export PDF

    PDF preserves layout across all client systems. Keep a copy for your records — VAT records are typically held 6+ years.

VAT invoice template FAQ

What's the difference between an invoice and a VAT invoice?

A VAT invoice shows VAT as a separate line and includes the supplier's (and often the customer's) VAT registration number. A non-VAT invoice doesn't show tax — typically because the supplier isn't VAT-registered.

Can I issue a VAT invoice if I'm not VAT-registered?

No. Only VAT-registered businesses can charge VAT and issue VAT invoices. A non-registered freelancer or small business should issue a normal invoice without VAT.

How do I show reverse charge VAT?

Set tax rate to 0, and add a footer note like "Reverse charge — VAT to be accounted for by the recipient." invoice44 supports custom footer notes per invoice.

Does invoice44 file my VAT return?

No. invoice44 only generates the invoice document. Filing is done through your tax authority's portal or accounting software.

How long should I keep VAT invoices?

Most jurisdictions require 5–7 years. The UK requires 6 years. Always keep a PDF copy of every VAT invoice you issue and receive.

This page is general guidance, not tax advice. Compliance with your local VAT/GST rules is your responsibility.

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Issue a compliant VAT invoice in 60 seconds.

Free. Subtotal, VAT and total formatted exactly the way they need to be.

Open invoice44