Free Invoice Template for Tradesmen (Download + Guide)

A lot of tradesmen still send invoices that are basically a text message with a bank account number. That's fine until a customer queries the amount, pays late, or you need records for your tax return. Here's how to invoice properly - and a free template to get started.

What every trade invoice must include

For a UK invoice to be valid (especially for VAT purposes), it needs:

• Your business name and address
• Customer name and address
• Invoice number - sequential (INV-001, INV-002, etc.)
• Invoice date
• Description of work - itemised, not just "plastering work"
• Amount due - with VAT breakdown if VAT registered
• Payment terms - when you expect to be paid (14 days, 30 days)
• Payment details - bank account, sort code, or payment link

What good trade invoices look like

The best invoices are:

• Itemised - labour, materials, and any extras listed separately
• Branded - your logo, colours, and contact details
• Clear on payment - exactly how and when to pay
• Linked to the quote - reference the original quote number

Free invoice template

Here's what your invoice should look like:

[Your Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Phone] | [Email]

INVOICE #INV-001
Date: [Date]
Due: [Date + payment terms]

Bill To:
[Customer Name]
[Customer Address]

Description              Qty    Rate      Amount
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
Labour  -  [description]    1    £[rate]   £[amount]
Materials  -  [items]       1    £[cost]   £[amount]
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
                          Subtotal:      £[total]
                          VAT (20%):     £[vat]
                          TOTAL:         £[total]

Payment: [Bank] | Sort: [XX-XX-XX] | Acc: [XXXXXXXX]
Terms: Payment due within 14 days of invoice date.

How to chase late invoices

If you're not getting paid on time, check our guide on chasing late invoices for templates and strategies that work.

Skip the template - automate it

Templates work, but they're still manual. With Jobnix, you convert accepted quotes to invoices with one tap. Your branding, line items, and customer details carry over automatically. No re-typing, no formatting, no chasing for bank details.