A VAT invoice is a document used to request payment while meeting the tax rules that apply to this type of billing. Getting it right protects both you and your client, keeps the books clean, and avoids disputes over what was agreed.
Every valid VAT invoice should include the following mandatory details: 1. your VAT number 2. the customer VAT number for B2B sales 3. a sequential invoice number 4. the tax point (issue) date 5. a clear description of goods or services. Missing any of these can make the document harder to enforce or, where tax is involved, invalid for VAT purposes.
Tax treatment: You must show the VAT amount separately for each line and state the total VAT. A VAT invoice is a legal document that lets your customer reclaim input tax. The rate applied here is 19%. When you bill business customers in another country, check whether the reverse-charge or zero-rating rule applies before you finalise the total.
A typical VAT invoice lists concrete line items such as: Consulting services (10 x $120); Software licence (1 x $299). Always show quantities, unit prices, and the tax amount per line so the grand total is transparent and easy to verify.
Practical tips: 1. Always quote both VAT numbers on cross-border B2B invoices. 2. Keep VAT rates correct per item — mixed supplies need split rates. 3. Store issued invoices for at least 10 years in the EU.. Good invoicing habits - consistent numbering, clear payment terms, and prompt delivery - reduce late payments and build trust.
InvoiceFormly helps you produce a correct VAT invoice in minutes. Pick the template, enter your details, add line items, and download a clean PDF or send it by email. Tax math, numbering, and multilingual labels are handled automatically so you can focus on the work.