Electrician invoicing: how to invoice as an electrician in the UK

From a quick socket swap to a full rewire or an EICR, getting the invoice right is what turns finished work into money in your account. This covers what an electrician's invoice needs, how to handle VAT and CIS, and how to get it out fast so you're not chasing payment weeks later.

TL;DR

• An electrician's invoice needs your details, the customer's details, a unique invoice number, the date, a clear labour-and-materials breakdown, the total, and how to pay.
• Split labour from materials — it's clearer and it matters for CIS, where only labour is subject to the deduction.
• If you're VAT registered, show your VAT number and VAT per line; if not, mark it "Not VAT registered".
• Reference the certificate or job (EICR, EIC, consumer unit swap) on the invoice so it's obvious what was done.
• Invoice from the job on your phone, put your bank details + a reference on it, and set one polite reminder.

What an electrician's invoice must include

• Your business details — name, address, contact, VAT number if registered; company name + number if a limited company.
• The customer's details — name and address.
• A unique invoice number and the date.
• A description of the work, split into labour and materials, referencing the job or certificate where relevant (e.g. "EICR — 3-bed domestic", "Consumer unit replacement").
• The amounts — line prices, VAT where it applies, and the total due.
• Payment terms and how to pay — due date, bank details or payment link, and a reference (the invoice number).

CIS: the bit electricians can't ignore

If you work as a subcontractor for a contractor within the Construction Industry Scheme — common on new-build, commercial fit-outs and larger projects — the contractor must deduct CIS from the labour part of your payment (20% if you're registered and verified, 30% if not) and pay it to HMRC towards your tax. Materials are never subject to CIS. That's exactly why splitting labour and materials on your invoice matters: it lets the contractor apply the deduction correctly, and it keeps your own records straight for when you reclaim it. Domestic work direct for homeowners isn't CIS — so you'll often have some invoices with CIS and some without, which is normal.

Pro Tip: Put the CIS deduction on the invoice itself when it applies — show labour, materials, the deduction on labour, and the net — so there's no confusion about what you're actually being paid.

VAT for electricians

Below the registration threshold you don't charge VAT — mark the invoice "Not VAT registered". If registered, charge the right rate per line (most domestic and commercial electrical work is 20%, though some installations such as certain energy-saving measures or qualifying new-build work can be reduced- or zero-rated — check the specific job), show your VAT number, and give totals excluding and including VAT. On CIS/subcontract construction work the domestic reverse charge may apply, shifting who accounts for the VAT — check before invoicing that type of job.

Reference the certificate

Electrical work often comes with a certificate — an EICR, an EIC, or a minor works certificate. Referencing it on the invoice ("EICR report ref: ____") ties the paperwork together, looks professional, and saves questions later. It also helps the customer match your invoice to the work if they're a landlord or managing agent handling several properties.

Get paid faster: invoice from the van

The longer the gap between finishing and invoicing, the longer you wait for the money. Close it:

• Raise and send the invoice from the job, the moment it's signed off.
• Put your bank details and a payment reference (invoice number) directly on it.
• Send by WhatsApp or email — whichever the customer opens fastest.
• Use one polite automated reminder after the due date instead of manual chasing.

Make it one tap

A tool built for trades turns invoicing into two minutes on-site instead of an evening at the kitchen table. VanBill handles per-line VAT and CIS automatically, splits labour and materials, carries a quote straight into an invoice, and sends a branded PDF by WhatsApp or email with reminders that chase for you. Start free and send your next one from the job.

FAQ

Do electricians need to deal with CIS?

Only when working as a subcontractor for a contractor under the Construction Industry Scheme (common on new-build/commercial). Then the contractor deducts CIS from your labour. Domestic work direct for homeowners isn't CIS.

Should an electrician's invoice separate labour and materials?

Yes — it's clearer for the customer and it's essential for CIS, where the deduction applies to labour only, never materials.

Do I charge VAT as an electrician?

Only if VAT registered. Below the threshold it's optional; if not registered, don't add VAT and mark the invoice accordingly. Most electrical work is standard-rated when you are registered, but check jobs that may qualify for a reduced rate.

Should I put the certificate reference on the invoice?

It's good practice — referencing the EICR/EIC ties the paperwork together, looks professional, and helps landlords and agents match the invoice to the job.