What a valid VAT invoice must show (UK) — and what to extract

To reclaim VAT on a purchase you normally need a valid VAT invoice from the supplier.

Full VAT invoice

• A unique invoice number, the invoice date and the time of supply (tax point) if different.
• The supplier's name, address and VAT registration number.
• Your name or trading name and address.
• A description of the goods or services, quantity, unit price and the VAT rate for each.
• Total excluding VAT, total VAT and any discount.

Simplified VAT invoice

Retailers can issue a simplified invoice for supplies of £250 or less (including VAT). It needs the supplier's name, address and VAT number, the time of supply, a description, and the total payable including VAT with the VAT rate. Source: GOV.UK — VAT invoices.

What TillSheet extracts

Supplier, invoice number, date, net, VAT and gross totals — including from VAT summary tables (rate · net · VAT · gross) and VAT-inclusive retail receipts, where it backs the VAT out of the total. The arithmetic check confirms net + VAT = gross before you export.

Last reviewed 2026-10-27. General information, not tax advice.