Tax invoice format
A tax invoice is the invoice a tax-registered business issues when it charges GST or VAT. It lets your customer claim the tax back, so the law lists exactly what must be on it. Here are the rules for India, the UAE and the UK.
India (GST)
Registered suppliers follow Rule 46 of the CGST Rules: GSTIN of both sides, a unique serial number, HSN or SAC codes, the taxable value and CGST, SGST or IGST. The full list is on our GST invoice format page.
United Arab Emirates (VAT)
A full tax invoice must show:
- The words Tax Invoice, clearly
- Your name, address and Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- The customer's name and address, and their TRN if they are registered
- A sequential invoice number and the date of issue
- The date of supply, if different
- A description of the goods or services, with quantity, unit price, tax rate and tax amount
- Any discount
- The gross amount and the VAT amount, in AED (with the exchange rate if you invoice in another currency)
- A note if the reverse charge applies
The standard rate is 5%. You may issue a simplified tax invoice if the customer is not registered for VAT, or if they are registered and the supply is AED 10,000 or less. A tax invoice is due within 14 days of the supply.
United Kingdom (VAT)
A full VAT invoice must show:
- A unique, sequential invoice number
- Your business name and address, and your VAT registration number
- The time of supply (tax point), and the invoice date if different
- The customer's name or trading name and address
- A description of each item, with quantity, unit price excluding VAT, VAT rate and the amount excluding VAT
- The total excluding VAT, any discount, and the total VAT
For a sale of £250 or less including VAT you may issue a simplified VAT invoice. Issue VAT invoices within 30 days of the supply.
Making one here
Choose Tax invoice as the type, put your TRN, GSTIN or VAT number under Your tax number, and set the tax label to VAT or GST. Tick Indian GST only for India, so the tax is split into CGST and SGST or shown as IGST.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice?
A tax invoice is issued by a GST or VAT registered business and shows the tax charged, so the customer can claim it back. An ordinary invoice just asks for payment and may carry no tax.
Can I issue a tax invoice if I am not registered for VAT or GST?
No. Only a registered business may charge the tax and issue a tax invoice. If you are not registered, issue an ordinary invoice without tax.
Does a UAE tax invoice have to be in Arabic?
English is accepted for tax invoices. The amounts of VAT must be shown in AED, even when the invoice is in another currency.
Official sources
Checked 31 Oct 2026. Rules change; when in doubt, check with your tax office or accountant.