Northern Ireland Invoice Generator
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Invoicing in Northern Ireland: what your invoice needs
Northern Ireland is the one part of the UK with a split VAT position. Under the Windsor Framework, EU VAT rules still apply to goods moving between Northern Ireland and the EU, while UK VAT rules apply to services and to trade with Great Britain (with the paperwork rules for goods).
In practice that means most Northern Ireland businesses invoice exactly as the rest of the UK does. The difference shows up if you trade goods with EU businesses, and there the VAT number on your invoice needs an XI prefix.
Key facts for Northern Ireland
- Tax
- UK VAT; EU VAT rules apply to goods moving between Northern Ireland and the EU
- Rates
- 20% standard, 5% reduced, 0% zero-rated (UK rates apply to domestic sales)
- VAT number
- GB number for UK trade, XI number for goods trade with the EU
- Registration threshold
- £90,000 UK taxable turnover
- Currency
- GBP (£); sales to Ireland are often in euro
- Company numbers
- Companies registered in Northern Ireland have numbers starting NI
What a Northern Ireland invoice should include
- Everything on the UK VAT invoice list: sequential number, date, VAT number, customer, items and VAT in pounds
- Your XI-prefixed VAT number if the invoice covers goods moved between Northern Ireland and the EU
- The customer's EU VAT number for supplies of goods to an EU business
- For limited companies: registered company name, NI company number and registered office
Practical tips
Services follow UK rules, goods follow EU rules
A software or consulting invoice to a customer in Dublin follows the UK business-to-business service rules. A shipment of goods to the same customer follows EU rules and the XI number. Do not mix the two on the same invoice.
Ireland is your closest EU market
Many Northern Ireland businesses invoice customers in the Republic of Ireland in euro. The tool lets you choose euro, but remember that VAT rules for goods and services differ, so check which one you are supplying.
Ask before you guess
VAT on goods moving across the border is the area where advisers most often disagree with each other. For anything beyond a simple sale, check HMRC's guidance or ask an accountant who does cross-border work.
Common questions about invoicing in Northern Ireland
Do I need an XI VAT number?
Only if you trade goods between Northern Ireland and the EU (or receive goods from EU businesses). If you only trade services, or only within the UK, your normal GB VAT number is enough.
Do I charge 20% VAT on sales to Great Britain?
Sales within the UK are domestic sales, so UK VAT applies in the usual way. Special paperwork rules apply to goods moving between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, so check HMRC's guidance for anything beyond a simple sale.
Can I use the same invoice as in England?
Yes, for domestic UK sales. Add your XI number and the customer's EU VAT number when the invoice covers goods traded with the EU.
Which company number applies?
If your limited company is registered in Northern Ireland, its number starts with NI. Show it with your registered office and company name on invoices.
Related guides and tools
Official sources: GOV.UK: VAT.
Last updated September 2026. This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Tax rules change, so check the official source or ask a local accountant before relying on it for an important invoice.
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