Guides · Updated 2026-10-17
Invoicing apps for tradesmen (UK, 2026): CIS, VAT and MTD compared
This compares invoicing apps for tradesmen in the UK. There are two kinds: job apps (ServiceM8, Tradify, Powered Now and others) that invoice from the job on site, and accounts apps (FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, Zoho Books) that keep your books for HMRC. Most trades end up using one of each, linked together. Prices were checked on each provider's page between 14 and 17 October 2026. Only after a free app? See the best free invoicing apps.
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Accounts apps: prices and trade features
| App | Price we recorded | Trade notes |
|---|---|---|
| FreeAgent | Sole traders £19 a month; limited companies £33 (excl. VAT) | Free with a NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank business account, or Mettle (conditions apply) |
| Xero | Ignite £18, Grow £39, Comprehensive £55 a month (excl. VAT) | Making Tax Digital compatible; payroll £1.50 per person a month |
| QuickBooks | Prices load on its UK page; 30-day free trial | CIS calculation and submission in every plan; VAT submission isn't in Sole Trader Plus |
| Sage | Start £20, Standard £43, Plus £59 a month (excl. VAT) | Lists Making Tax Digital and CIS support; no long-term contract |
| Zoho Books | Free; Standard £12 a month (£10 billed annually) | Free plan for very small businesses |
| Tide | Free plan; Smart £12.49 a month | A business account with invoicing built in |
Several accounting providers were running large introductory discounts when we checked (for example 90% off for 6 months at Xero and Sage, 50% off for 6 months at FreeAgent). Budget for the full price after the offer ends.
Job apps that invoice from site
| App | Price we recorded (1 person) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| ServiceM8 | Free (30 jobs a month); Starter £25 | Invoice from the job card at the end of the job |
| Powered Now | £28 a month excl. VAT | UK trade app with certificates |
| YourTradebase | £29 a month + VAT | Automatic payment reminders |
| Tradify | £34 per user a month | Quote, job and invoice in one place |
| Fergus | From £39 a month | Price books and job cards for bigger jobs |
More detail on these: quoting software for tradesmen.
Which setup suits you
- Sole trader, low volume: Zoho Books free or Tide's free plan, plus our invoice template.
- Sole trader with a NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank or Mettle account: check whether FreeAgent is free for you.
- Subcontractor or contractor on CIS: an accounts app with CIS, such as QuickBooks (every plan) or Sage, and check deductions with the CIS calculator.
- Busy trade doing many jobs a week: a job app (ServiceM8, Tradify, Powered Now) linked to Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent, so each invoice goes into your books automatically.
Comparisons: Xero vs QuickBooks, QuickBooks vs FreeAgent, Xero vs FreeAgent, FreeAgent vs Zoho Books, and best accounting software.
The UK rules your invoices need to follow
- What to include. A unique invoice number, your business name and address, the customer's name and address, a description of the work, the date of supply and invoice date, the amount and the total, plus VAT details if you're registered (GOV.UK, checked 17 October 2026). Our invoice template includes them.
- CIS. If a contractor pays you under CIS, they deduct 20% (registered), 30% (not registered) or 0% (gross payment status) from the labour part (GOV.UK). See how CIS tax is calculated.
- Reverse charge. Between VAT-registered businesses in CIS, the domestic reverse charge usually applies. Check with the reverse charge checker.
- Making Tax Digital. Sole traders with qualifying income over £50,000 in 2024 to 2025 have kept digital records and sent quarterly updates since 6 April 2026; the threshold is £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028 (guide, checker). Check your app is on HMRC's list of compatible software.
- Late payment. Business customers who pay late can be charged statutory interest; work it out with the late payment interest calculator and read how to chase a late payment.
Where AI helps with invoicing
AI is good at the words around an invoice: a polite first reminder, a firmer second one, and a clear explanation of a CIS statement or a variation. Use the first payment reminder prompt. Several accounts apps also use AI to read receipts and suggest categories; see AI bookkeeping for sole traders. Don't let AI decide your VAT treatment or CIS status.
By trade
Plumbers · builders · electricians · roofers · cleaning businesses. Job pages: invoicing for builders, invoicing for plumbers, invoicing for electricians. Hub: best AI tools for tradesmen.
Sources
- Provider pricing pages linked from each tool page, checked 15 October 2026 (Powered Now 17 October).
- Invoice requirements: GOV.UK. CIS: GOV.UK. Making Tax Digital: GOV.UK.
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FAQ
What is the best invoicing app for tradesmen in the UK?
For most trades, a job app such as ServiceM8, Tradify or Powered Now to invoice on site, linked to an accounts app such as FreeAgent, Xero or QuickBooks. On CIS, QuickBooks includes CIS in every plan.
Is there a free invoicing app for tradesmen?
Yes: Zoho Books has a free plan, Tide's business account includes invoicing on its free plan, and ServiceM8 is free for 1 user and 30 jobs a month. Our invoice template is free too.
Which invoicing app does CIS?
QuickBooks includes CIS calculation and submission in every UK plan, and Sage lists CIS support. Check the specific plan before you buy.
Do I need Making Tax Digital software as a tradesman?
If you're a sole trader with qualifying income (turnover before expenses) over £50,000 in 2024 to 2025, yes, from 6 April 2026. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.
What must a UK invoice include?
A unique number, your name and address, the customer's name and address, a description, the date of supply, the invoice date, the amount and total, and VAT details if you're VAT registered.
Can I invoice from my phone?
Yes. Job apps such as ServiceM8, Tradify, Powered Now and YourTradebase let you invoice on site, and accounts apps such as Xero and QuickBooks have mobile apps too.