BillCrisp

EU VAT Invoice Generator

The European Union preset uses euros, A4 paper, VAT ID fields and a Reverse charge applies option. The default 21% rate is only a starting point: set the VAT rate that applies in your country for each line.

This checklist summarises the EU VAT Directive as explained by the European Commission. It is not tax advice; national rules and e-invoicing obligations add to it. Other countries: what to include on an invoice.

What a full EU VAT invoice must show

Article 226 of the VAT Directive lists the details of a full VAT invoice, and member states may not demand other details for the invoice to support a VAT deduction. [1] [2]

Full VAT invoice details and where to enter them
Required detailIn BillCrispSource
Date of issueIssue date[1] [2]
A unique sequential number identifying the invoiceInvoice number[1] [2]
Supplier's VAT identification numberYour details, VAT ID[1] [2]
Customer's VAT identification number, if the customer is liable for the taxCustomer details, VAT ID[1] [2]
Supplier's and customer's full name and addressYour details, Customer details[1] [2]
Quantity and nature of the goods or extent and nature of the servicesLine description and quantity[1] [2]
Date of the supply or payment, if different from the invoice dateAdd it to Notes[1] [2]
Unit price exclusive of VAT, and any discounts not included in itUnit price, line or document discount[1] [2]
VAT rate applied and the taxable amount per rateTax rate per line; the summary groups amounts by rate[1] [2]
VAT amount payableVAT total[1] [2]

Extra wording in some cases

  • Reverse charge: when the customer is liable for the VAT, the invoice must carry the words "Reverse charge". Tick Reverse charge applies in the editor and BillCrisp prints the mention. [1] [2]
  • Exempt supplies: give a reference to the provision that exempts the supply, for example in Notes. [1]
  • Margin schemes, self-billing and cash accounting each require their own mention, such as "self-billing" or "cash accounting". [1]
  • Credit notes and other amending documents must refer specifically to the original invoice. [1]

Simplified invoices

A simplified invoice needs fewer details: the date of issue, the supplier's identity and VAT number, the type of goods or services, and the VAT payable or the information needed to calculate it. [1] Member states decide when it may be used, typically for low-value invoices, so check the rule in the country where the VAT is due.

Rates, currency and e-invoicing

Each member state sets its own standard and reduced VAT rates, so there is no single EU rate to preset. Pick the rate for each line, and use the Currency field if you invoice in another currency. A growing number of member states require structured electronic invoices for some or all business-to-business sales; a PDF does not meet that requirement.

Selling to the UK as well? See the UK VAT invoice page, which follows HMRC's separate rules.

Sources