Built for UK Sole Traders

You must register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds £90,000. You can also register voluntarily if you're under the threshold. Once registered, you must charge 20% VAT on invoices and include your VAT number.

You must include: your full name (as on Self Assessment), business address, invoice number, invoice date, client name and address, description of goods/services, amount charged, and payment terms. If VAT registered, also include VAT number and VAT amount.

Yes, HMRC requires sequential invoice numbers. Never skip numbers or reuse old ones. A common format is INV-000001, INV-000002, etc. Experi automatically generates sequential invoice numbers for you.

HMRC requires you to keep all business records, including invoices, for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year. Digital copies are acceptable and often safer than paper.

Common payment terms for sole traders are 14 or 30 days. Be clear: 'Payment due within 14 days' or 'Payment due by [specific date]'. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act gives you the right to charge interest on late payments.