Invoices

What information is required on a VAT invoice?

The Value-Added Tax (VAT) invoice must show:

• the date of issue
• a unique sequential number
• the supplier’s full name, address and registration number
• the customer's full name and address
• in the case of a reverse charge, the customer’s VAT number and a notation that a ‘reverse charge applies’. (This does not apply to construction services subject to Relevant Contracts Tax.)
• in the case of a intra-Community supply of goods, the customer’s VAT number and  a notation that this is an ‘intra-Community supply of goods’
• in the case of triangulation, an explicit reference to EC triangulation simplification and an indication that the person in receipt of the goods is liable to account  for the VAT due on the supply
• the quantity and nature of the goods supplied
• the extent and nature of the services rendered
• the VAT exclusive unit price
• the payment received net of VAT
• the discounts or price reductions
• the breakdown by the rate of VAT
• the total VAT payable in respect of the supply
• the date on which the goods or services were supplied
• where a payment is made prior to a supply, the date on which the payment on account was made. This is the case only if that date differs from the date of issue of the invoice.
• and
• the full name and address and the Member State's VAT number of the tax representative. This is the case where a tax representative is liable to pay the VAT in another Member State.

VAT invoices where the reverse charge applies

In the case of the supply of goods or services for which VAT is accounted for under the reverse charge mechanism, the VAT payable is not displayed on the invoice issued.

VAT invoices where the special schemes apply

Where the margin scheme or the special scheme for auctioneers applies to a supply of goods, the invoice issued must not include an amount of VAT payable.

The invoice in relation to the margin scheme should be endorsed as follows: 'Margin scheme — second-hand goods'.

The invoice in relation to the auctioneer’s scheme should be endorsed as follows: 'Margin scheme — auction goods'.

Foreign currency on a VAT invoice

If you issue an invoice in a foreign currency, it must also show the corresponding figures in Euro. You should use the selling rate recorded by the Central Bank at the time the invoice is due to be issued.

By agreement with Revenue, you may use an alternative method for determining the exchange rate. This is subject to the condition that the agreed method must be used in respect of all your foreign currency transactions.

You should apply to your Revenue Office indicating the exchange rate method that you propose to use.

Next: Can you amend a VAT invoice?