What to put on an invoice in Ireland
What an invoice needs to show if you are registered for VAT, what to do if you are not, and the one mistake that can cost you money.
If you are not registered for VAT
Do not show any VAT on the invoice. Revenue says a trader who is not registered for VAT should not issue an invoice showing an amount of VAT. If you do, you are liable to pay Revenue the VAT shown, and you may face penalties.
Charge your price with no VAT line and no VAT number. You can add a short note such as "Not registered for VAT" so the customer knows why there is no VAT. Revenue does not set any wording for this.
Even without VAT, a clear invoice gets paid faster. Include an invoice number, the date, your name and address, the customer's name and address, what you did, the price, how to pay and when payment is due.
If you are registered for VAT
Revenue lists what a VAT invoice must show:
- the date it was issued and a unique number in sequence;
- your full name, address and VAT registration number;
- the customer's full name and address;
- the quantity and type of goods, or the extent and type of services;
- the unit price excluding VAT, any discount, and any payment already received;
- the amount at each VAT rate and the total VAT;
- the date of supply, and the date of any payment on account if it is different from the invoice date.
You must issue a VAT invoice when you supply another VAT-registered business, a government department, a local authority or a statutory body. Special rules apply to construction work done by a subcontractor for a principal contractor: see our guide to RCT invoicing.
Quotes and invoices in FixOpsFast
FixOpsFast sends quotes your customer accepts with one tap, and records cash, card and bank transfer payments against each job. You set whether you are VAT registered, and the right details go on every document.
Need an invoice now? Use our free invoice and quote template. It works with or without VAT, and you can print it or save it as a PDF without signing up.
Questions
Can I put VAT on my invoice if I'm not registered?
No. Revenue says a trader who is not registered for VAT should not issue an invoice showing VAT. If you do, you are liable for the VAT shown and may face penalties. Check with your accountant or financial adviser if you are unsure.
A customer wants a VAT invoice but I'm not registered. What do I do?
Tell them you are not registered for VAT, so there is no VAT to show and none for them to claim back. Invoice your normal price. If you are close to the registration threshold, ask your accountant whether you should register.
What does a VAT invoice need to show?
Its date and a unique sequential number, your name, address and VAT number, the customer's name and address, what you supplied, the price excluding VAT, the VAT at each rate and the total VAT, and the date of supply. Your accountant can confirm anything specific to your business.
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