Did you make it easy for them to pay you?
It might sound obvious, but I regularly see invoices that are missing key information. Not because the business owner doesn’t know what they’re doing, but because they’re busy. They create an invoice, hit send, and move on to the next job.
Unfortunately, a missing detail can mean your invoice gets put to one side while your customer waits to clarify something.
Sometimes it’s as simple as forgetting to include your bank details.
Yes, it really happens.
What should every invoice include?
At a minimum, your invoice should clearly show:
- Your business name
- Your address
- Contact details
- Company number (where applicable)
- VAT number (if you’re VAT registered)
- Customer name and address
- Invoice number
- Invoice date
- Payment due date
- A clear description of what you’ve supplied
- VAT shown separately
- CIS deductions where applicable
- Total amount due
- Your bank details
- A payment reference
The aim is simple.
Your customer should be able to answer these questions without contacting you:
Who sent this?
What am I paying for?
How much do I owe?
When is it due?
Where do I send the money?
If they can answer all five questions immediately, you’ve removed almost every reason for payment to be delayed.
The Detail People Forget Most
If I had to pick one thing that gets missed most often, it’s bank details.
It sounds unbelievable, but I see it more often than you’d think.
You’ve done all the hard work, sent the invoice… and forgotten to tell your customer how to pay you.
It might seem like a small oversight, but it can easily delay payment by several days while emails are exchanged.
A Two Minute Check Can Save Days
Before pressing Send, ask yourself one question:
If I’d never seen this invoice before, would I know exactly how to pay it?
If the answer is yes, you’re good to go.
If you’re not sure, I’ve put together a free Invoice Checklist that you can keep beside your desk or save on your computer.
It’s a simple reminder that helps make sure every invoice includes everything your customer needs to pay you quickly.
Download your free Invoice Checklist here.
FAQ’s
Do I have to include my bank details on an invoice?
No, but if you expect payment by bank transfer, including your bank details makes it much easier for customers to pay promptly.
Do I need to include a VAT number?
Yes, if you’re VAT registered and issuing a VAT invoice, your VAT registration number must be included.
I’m a CIS subcontractor is there anything else I should add?
Yes, if you’re CIS registered you should include your UTR and NI number on your invoices.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE INVOICE CHECKLIST – CLICK HERE
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More free business resources coming soon…
- ✓ Invoice Checklist (Available now)
- ⏳ Bookkeeping Health Check
- ⏳ Year End Checklist
- ⏳ VAT Return Checklist
- ⏳ New Business Starter Guide
Accountancy Solutions is an accountancy practice based in Portchester, Hampshire, providing bookkeeping, accounts, tax and business advisory services to small businesses across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville and the surrounding area.
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