Calculating VAT and issuing VAT invoices
If you’re a VAT-registered business you must add VAT to your prices. You also need to issue VAT invoices. Find out how.
How to calculate VAT
Calculating VAT correctly ensures you charge the right amount and comply with tax regulations. Follow these steps to add VAT to your prices based on the applicable VAT rate.
How to add VAT to prices
There’s a very simple formula for each VAT rate.
- 5% VAT rate: multiply your price by 1.05.
- 20% VAT rate: multiply your price by 1.20.
- VAT-exempt or 0% VAT rate: the price remains the same.
You don’t add any VAT to out-of-scope or VAT-exempt products or services that you might sell.
What are VAT invoices?
A VAT invoice tells a customer how much VAT they paid on a purchase. It’s important information because some of your customers may be able to claim that VAT back. If you’re VAT registered, you must issue VAT invoices.
Find out whether you need to register as a VAT business in our guide on VAT registration thresholds.
VAT invoice example
Here are the details you need to provide on a VAT invoice.
Your VAT invoice must contain the following:
- Your business name and address
- Customer’s name and address
- Invoice date and number
- VAT registration number
- Description of goods or services
- Total amount before VAT
- VAT amount charged
- Total amount including VAT
A logo and payment terms aren’t required but will help your invoice look more professional.
VAT tax point
If you’re issuing an invoice more than two weeks after goods or services were delivered, add an extra line to your invoice saying ‘VAT tax point’ with the date of delivery next to it. This can help your business customers claim the VAT back sooner.
Disclaimer
Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.
VAT Guide For Business
Making a start with VAT? Want to know more about how MTD for VAT impacts you? This guide will help you get sorted.
- What is VAT and how much is it?
You’ve probably heard about VAT before – it stands for Value Added Tax and is added onto prices in the UK.
- Registering for VAT
Find out if your business needs to worry about VAT. And if so, learn how to register for VAT.
- Calculating VAT and issuing VAT invoices
If you’re a VAT-registered business you must add VAT to your prices. You also need to issue VAT invoices. Find out how.
- Claiming back VAT
VAT-registered businesses can claim back the VAT they pay on business expenses. Let’s learn how.
- Working out your VAT refund or payment
Working out VAT is simple maths. Keeping track of all your transactions is the tricky part. Let’s learn the process.
- Filing VAT return through Making Tax Digital
Once you’ve registered for VAT, you’ll need to submit returns online regularly – and square up with HMRC. Here’s how.
- Tools and guides for your business
Now you know the ins and outs of VAT, but it can be tough to keep on top of it all. Xero’s got the resources to help.
Download the VAT Guide for Business
Get your VAT sorted. Fill out the form to receive this guide as a PDF.
Start using Xero for free
Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.