EU VAT invoice template
EU VAT invoice template
The details the EU VAT Directive lists for an invoice, in euros on A4, including the “Reverse charge” mention for services to a business in another EU country. Name the tax VAT, MwSt, TVA or IVA.
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What the EU VAT Directive lists
Article 226 of the VAT Directive (2006/112/EC) sets out the details required on invoices across the EU. Each country applies it through its own law and may add a few details of its own, but the core is the same everywhere:
| Article 226 | In this template |
|---|---|
| (1) the date of issue | Invoice date |
| (2) a sequential number, based on one or more series, which uniquely identifies the invoice | Invoice number (e.g. 2026/0093) |
| (3) the VAT identification number under which the supplier supplied the goods or services | Your Tax ID (“VAT PT …”) |
| (4) the customer's VAT identification number, where the customer is liable for the VAT or receives an intra-EU supply of goods | Client tax ID |
| (5) the full name and address of the taxable person and of the customer | Your details and the client's |
| (6) the quantity and nature of the goods supplied or the extent and nature of the services rendered | Line descriptions and quantities |
| (7) the date of the supply, where it differs from the date of issue | A note, or the period in the description (“6–17 Oct 2026”) |
| (8) the taxable amount per rate or exemption, the unit price exclusive of VAT and any discounts | Prices, amounts and subtotal; discounts as negative lines |
| (9) the VAT rate applied, and (10) the VAT amount payable | Tax rate and the VAT line in the totals |
| (11a) where the customer is liable for the payment of the VAT, the mention ‘Reverse charge’ | Notes: “Reverse charge” |
Source: Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Article 226 (abridged; points 7a, 10a and 11–15 cover cash accounting, self-billing, exemptions and margin schemes). This page is a guide, not tax advice.
Reverse charge: services to a business in another EU country
When you supply services to a VAT-registered business in another member state, the customer usually accounts for the VAT, not you. The invoice then:
- charges no VAT: leave the tax rate at 0;
- shows both VAT numbers, yours in Tax ID and the customer's in Client tax ID (check theirs in VIES);
- carries the mention “Reverse charge”: the sample puts it in the notes;
- is issued by the 15th of the month after the supply (Article 222).
Domestic invoices, rates and currency
For sales in your own country, set your national rate (for example 23% in Portugal or 19% in Germany) and name the line as you're used to: VAT, MwSt, TVA or IVA, up to 16 characters. The editor applies one rate per invoice, so mixed rates need separate invoices. Amounts may be in any currency, but the VAT payable must be shown in the national currency of the country where it's due (Article 230).
Questions
When does an invoice say “Reverse charge”?
When the customer, not you, is liable to pay the VAT, typically for services to a VAT-registered business in another EU country. Charge no VAT, show both VAT numbers and write “Reverse charge” on the invoice (Article 226(11a) of the VAT Directive).
How soon must I issue a cross-border invoice?
For intra-EU supplies of goods and for services where the customer pays the VAT, the Directive says no later than the 15th day of the month after the supply. Other deadlines are set by each country.
Can I invoice in a currency other than euros?
Yes. The Directive allows any currency, as long as the VAT payable is shown in the national currency of the country where it's due.
Can I call the tax line MwSt, TVA or IVA?
Yes: type any name up to 16 characters in the Tax name field. The rest of the invoice is in English; local-language labels are on our list.