Chapter 3

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.

A calculator on top of some VAT documents

How to add VAT to prices

There’s a very simple formula for each VAT rate. You multiply your price by 1.05 for a 5% VAT rate, by 1.20 for a 20% VAT rate, or leave the price as is for a 0% VAT rate.

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.

VAT invoice example

Here are the details you need to provide on a VAT invoice. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. Registering for VAT

    Find out if your business needs to worry about VAT. And if so, learn how to register for VAT.

  3. 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.

  4. Claiming back VAT

    VAT-registered businesses can claim back the VAT they pay on business expenses. Let’s learn how.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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