Free E-invoice Generator
From April 2029, e-invoicing becomes mandatory for VAT-registered businesses.
Easily create and send e-invoices via peppol/endpoint using faffless
No signup. Just generate and export.
More infoOfficial guidance, explained in plain English+
What is e-invoicing?+
An e-invoice is an invoice in a structured format that software can read automatically (often XML). The point is: less re-typing, fewer errors, faster processing.
Important: A PDF or Word invoice is mainly for humans. It’s useful, but it’s not the same thing as an e-invoice in a structured format.
Why “structured” matters
- Software can validate totals and VAT calculations automatically.
- Buyers can process invoices faster (less back-and-forth).
- Cleaner records: line items, VAT rates, and dates are machine-readable.
What the UK government is saying+
The government has published a response about promoting e-invoicing across UK businesses and the public sector. The themes are pretty consistent:
- E-invoicing is seen as a way to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
- Interoperability matters: systems should “talk” to each other.
- Direction of travel is toward wider adoption across supply chains.
- Support, education, and clear standards for SMEs are highlighted.
Official page (recommended reading): GOV.UK — consultation response on promoting electronic invoicing
What this means for small businesses (practical)+
You don’t need to become an XML expert. The useful bit is getting your invoice info consistent and “software-friendly”.
A quick prep checklist
- Use a unique invoice number every time.
- Store customer details properly (name, address, VAT no.).
- Keep line items clean: description, qty, unit price, totals.
- Track VAT per line (rate + VAT amount), not just one total.
- Capture key dates: invoice date (and tax point if different).
- If you sell B2G/B2B: ask if they accept structured invoices / Peppol.
Real-world example: builders, restaurants, trades, consultants — everyone benefits from cleaner invoice data because it reduces “Can you resend it?” emails and speeds up approvals.
FAQ+
Is a PDF an e-invoice?
No. A PDF is readable by humans. E-invoicing normally means a structured invoice that accounting systems can process automatically.
What is “invoice XML”?
XML is one common way to store structured invoice data. Think of it like “labels” around each piece of info so software can pick it up reliably.
Do I need Peppol?
Not always. Some organisations use networks like Peppol to exchange e-invoices. Others accept structured files via portals or imports.
Is the UK changing how invoicing works?
The UK is moving toward wider e-invoicing adoption, with standards and guidance. If your invoice data is tidy, you’re already ahead.
About+
fafflessVAT.co.uk and nofaffVAT.co.uk is a UK-focused e-invoicing and invoice XML education page that will soon provide a free e-invoice XML generator.
Note: This page is educational and general guidance — it isn’t tax advice.
- UK e-invoice XML
- Invoice XML generator
- Electronic invoicing UK
- Peppol invoice UK
- UBL invoice XML
- Public sector e-invoicing
- NHS invoicing
- VAT invoice UK
Contact: hello@fafflessvat.co.uk