The Complete UK Electrician Invoicing Checklist

A tidy, complete invoice does two things: it makes you look professional, and it removes every excuse a customer has to delay paying. Use this checklist for every job. Tick each item off and your invoices will satisfy HMRC, handle VAT and CIS correctly, and get paid faster.

The essentials — every invoice

• A unique, sequential invoice number (never reuse or skip numbers)
• The invoice date, and the payment due date (a specific date, not "on completion")
• Your trading name, address and contact details
• Your competent-person scheme number (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.) if you hold one
• The customer's name and the site address the work relates to
• A clear description of the work done

The money — itemise it

• Labour and materials on separate lines, each with its own total
• The net subtotal (before VAT)
• VAT as a separate line with the rate, if you are VAT-registered — plus your VAT number
• Any CIS deduction shown as a clearly labelled minus line, calculated on labour only
• The final amount payable after VAT and any CIS

If you're VAT-registered

• Show your VAT registration number
• Show the VAT rate for each line and the VAT total
• Check whether the domestic reverse charge applies to business customers
• See VAT for electricians for which rate to use

Getting paid

• Clear payment terms (e.g. "due within 7 days") stated on the invoice
• How to pay — bank details and, ideally, a pay link the customer can tap
• Send it the same day you finish — the fastest-paid invoice is the one that goes out first
• Keep a copy, and set a reminder to follow up if it isn't paid by the due date

Before you send — final check

1. Do the numbers match the quote the customer accepted?
2. Are labour and materials split, with CIS (if any) on labour only?
3. Is your VAT number on it (if registered)?
4. Is there a specific due date and a way to pay?
5. Have you kept a copy?

Want the numbers done for you? Try the free CIS calculator to see your take-home after deductions.