VAT invoices for window 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 window 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 window cleaning 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 window cleaners

Window cleaning is standard-rated at 20%. Most single-operator rounds sit well under the £90,000 registration threshold, but count everything you invoice — including gutter and fascia work — when you check.

Worked example at 20%

Net total for the job

£155.00

VAT at 20%

£31.00

Total the customer pays

£186.00

The £31.00 is never your money — you are collecting it for HMRC and paying it over on your next return.

Common questions

Do window cleaners need to send invoices?

Not for every doorstep payment, but a simple invoice or receipt makes payment by bank transfer easy and gives you a clean record of the round for your tax return.

Should I invoice per visit or monthly?

Per visit for pay-as-you-go customers and monthly for anyone who prefers one payment. Monthly is less admin once the round is established.

How do I charge for gutters and fascias?

As separate lines with their own price. They are a different job at a different rate and should never be folded into the window price.