Actor invoice template
A worked example for actors in the creative and media category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A actor invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Actors typically allow 30 days to pay. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example actor invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 30 day terms. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
P. Novak
Actor
Unit 9, Orchard Business Park
Nottingham
NG7 5FG
Bill to
Brightwater Marketing Ltd
2nd Floor, 15 Queen Street
Manchester
M2 5HX
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 31 October 2026
- Terms
- 30 days
- Reference
- Actor work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate training film, 1 day on set | 1 day | £350.00 | 20% | £350.00 |
| Buy-out: internal use, worldwide, 2 years | 1 buy-out | £350.00 | 20% | £350.00 |
| Role play for assessment centre, 2 half days | 2 half days | £160.00 | 20% | £320.00 |
| Travel (rail, receipt attached) | 1 item | £48.60 | 20% | £48.60 |
- Subtotal
- £1,068.60
- VAT at 20%
- £213.72
- Total
- £1,282.32
Typical rates for actors
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | Not usually quoted |
| Typical day rate | £150 to £600 |
| Payment terms | 30 days |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Entertainment or journalism (12.5%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do actors usually invoice?
Actors invoice a daily or weekly fee plus a buy-out for the use of their performance, with Equity rate cards as the reference for theatre, film and commercial work, and production companies paying on 30 day terms often via an agent who deducts commission. Corporate role play and training work is invoiced per day direct to the client. Travel and subsistence are recharged with receipts.
Actors in this example give the customer 30 days to pay. A full day is typically £150 to £600.
What should a actor put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, actors should:
- Separate the performance fee from the buy-out and state the usage the buy-out covers.
- If your agent invoices for you, make sure the production has your self-billing or invoice details, not both.
- Recharge travel and accommodation at cost on separate lines with receipts.
- Quote the production title and shoot dates on the invoice.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do actors charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%, including work for clients outside the UK in some cases, so check the place of supply rules for overseas clients.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for actors is usually “Entertainment or journalism” at 12.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How do actors invoice production companies?
- Usually with a day rate or weekly fee plus any agreed buy-out, quoting the production title and dates. Many productions self-bill through your agent, in which case you do not raise an invoice yourself. For corporate work booked direct, invoice the client on 30 day terms.
- Are actors self-employed for tax?
- Most actors are treated as self-employed for income tax, though some engagements are taxed through PAYE under special rules for entertainers. Either way you should keep invoices or payment statements for everything. Your agent's commission is a business expense.
- Do actors charge VAT?
- Only once registered, above £90,000 turnover, which working actors in commercials or television can reach. A registered actor charges 20% on fees and buy-outs to UK productions. The flat rate sector for entertainment is 12.5%.
More creative and media templates
- Photographer invoice template
- Wedding photographer invoice template
- Videographer invoice template
- Video editor invoice template
- Graphic designer invoice template
- Illustrator invoice template
Other trades
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Read next
Cite this page: “Actor invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/actor