How to do my first invoice (self employed)

Spaceboules

Hi guys,

Excuse my ignorance, I recently coached several fitness classes here in the UK and the gym has asked me to send in my invoice for the classes booked. Now I'm self-employed as a personal trainer but this is my first ever invoice (I also work full time salary) If I ran 5 classes at £25 then £125 is the total but how exactly does the VAT work? The company I'm charging is a franchise, not commercial and everyone is self employed.

As said this is my first self employed job.

Many thanks - Added to list of stuff I need to read up on at the weekend.

Pennywise

You can't charge VAT if you've not registered for VAT, so just ignore it.

Spaceboules

Thank you, reading up more on it.

So just use a plain template and list address, dates, then total as £125?

Brynsam

Put your name and contact details at the top (address, e-mail, telephone), plus the date. Put the word INVOICE at the top. As you've said, all you need to add is the date of each class, with a column on the right for the cost of each class, then put TOTAL: £125 at the bottom. Add the words: 'Payment due within [28] days from the date of this invoice' [or whatever you've agreed with them] and add your bank details so they can pay by bank transfer.

ThemeOne

The only thing I would add to Brynsam's advice is to put an Invoice Number somewhere at the top too (assuming there will be repeated work). It just acts as a handy reference in case of any queries either way.

Spaceboules

I appreciate this thanks so much,:beer:

Brynsam

ThemeOne wrote: »

The only thing I would add to Brynsam's advice is to put an Invoice Number somewhere at the top too (assuming there will be repeated work). It just acts as a handy reference in case of any queries either way.

...and you also need to include (oops) the name and address of the person or firm you're billing!

Sharon87

Microsoft Word has invoice templates you can use. Link below to the layout. The others have said everything you need to add.

https://templates.office.com/en-gb/invoices

ThemeOne

The Microsoft templates look good - didn't know about those.

Pennywise

I'd also include the customer's purchase order number or the name/reference of the person who authorised the work. Some firms, larger ones in particular, need to know so that they can check the invoice against their internal ordering/approval system. Providing them with such details will speed up their internal processes so you get paid quicker/on time.

Mistral001

ThemeOne wrote: »

The Microsoft templates look good - didn't know about those.

Many invoice templates are for USA

Make sure they comply with UK Trading Standards and HMRC:

https://www.gov.uk/invoicing-and-taking-payment-from-customers/invoices-what-they-must-include