VAT invoices for cleaners: what you must show

When you have to register

VAT registration becomes compulsory once your VAT-taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or if you expect to pass it in the next 30 days alone. For a cleaner that counts everything you invoice — labour and materials — not the profit you keep.

What a full VAT invoice must show

• A sequential invoice number, unique within its series.
• Your business name, address and VAT registration number.
• The customer's name and address.
• The time of supply (tax point) and the invoice date.
• A description of the cleaning work supplied, per line.
• The VAT-exclusive amount, the VAT rate and the VAT amount per rate.
• The total VAT-exclusive amount and the total VAT payable in sterling.

The rate trap for cleaners

Cleaning services are standard-rated at 20% with no domestic exemption. If you take on staff and grow past the £90,000 threshold, remember it is your total turnover that counts, not the profit.

Worked example at 20%

Net total for the job

£257.00

VAT at 20%

£51.40

Total the customer pays

£308.40

The £51.40 is never your money — you are collecting it for HMRC and paying it over on your next return.

Common questions

How should a cleaner invoice for a month of visits?

One invoice at month end showing the number of visits and the rate per visit, with any one-off extras listed underneath. It is far easier to check than four separate invoices.

Should cleaning materials be on the invoice?

Only if you supply them and that was agreed. If you do charge, list them as a single materials line rather than pricing individual bottles.

Can I charge for a cancelled clean?

Yes, if you told the customer the cancellation terms before you started. Put the notice period and the charge on every invoice so it is never a surprise.