What a plumber invoice looks like
A realistic example with the lines this trade actually bills. Figures are illustrative.
| Description | Qty | Unit | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callout / first hour (emergency rate) | 1 | £90.00 | £90.00 |
| Additional labour (per hour) | 2 | £55.00 | £110.00 |
| Replacement flexible tap connector | 2 | £8.50 | £17.00 |
| Compression fittings 15mm | 4 | £3.20 | £12.80 |
| Subtotal | £229.80 | ||
| VAT @ 20% | £45.96 | ||
| Total | £275.76 | ||
What to put on a plumber invoice
- Callout fee shown separately from hourly labour — this is the line most often disputed
- Hours worked, with the hourly rate stated, not just a total
- Every part listed with quantity, so the customer can see what was fitted
- Gas Safe registration number if the job involved gas appliances
- Any parts warranty or workmanship guarantee period
- What happens if the fault recurs — a one-line policy prevents most arguments
Tax, by country
The rules depend on where the work was done. This is general guidance, not tax advice.
United Kingdom
If you are VAT registered, show your VAT number and the VAT rate (usually 20%). Under the CIS scheme, construction work for a contractor may need a deduction shown separately.
United States
Sales tax on labour varies by state — many states tax materials but not labour. Show your EIN if you have one, and keep the tax line separate from the subtotal.
Canada
Show GST/HST (or QST in Quebec) as its own line with your GST/HST number. The rate depends on the province where the work was done, not where you are based.
Australia
If you are registered for GST, the document must say "Tax Invoice", show your ABN, and state the GST amount (10%). Without an ABN the customer may have to withhold 47%.
Get paid before you leave the job
A template you fill in by hand still has to be emailed, chased and banked. With Receivo you build the same invoice on your phone and show the customer a QR code — they scan it, pay by card, and the money goes to your account before you have packed up.
Start freeFree plan: 3 invoices a month and 3 clients. No card required.
Questions plumbers ask
Should a plumber charge a callout fee separately?
Yes. Showing the callout on its own line makes the bill easier to understand and easier to defend. Rolling it into the labour total is the most common reason customers query a plumbing invoice.
Do I need to itemise every part?
You do not have to, but it helps. A customer who can see "flexible tap connector x2" is far less likely to ask what they paid for than one who sees "parts — £45".
When should I invoice for plumbing work?
On the day, ideally before you leave. The longer the gap between finishing the job and sending the invoice, the longer you wait to be paid.