Alarm installer invoice template

How do alarm installers usually invoice?

Alarm installers invoice the system as a package with a deposit of around 30% on order and the balance on commissioning, then invoice annual servicing and monitoring separately each year, which is where the recurring income sits. Insurers often require an NSI or SSAIB certificate, so the certificate number goes on the invoice. Commercial clients pay monthly or annually in advance for monitoring on 30 day terms.

Alarm installers in this example give the customer 14 days to pay, after a 30% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £40 to £70. A full day is typically £300 to £460.

What should a alarm installer put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, alarm installers should:

• Show the system components (panel, detectors, contacts, sounder) so the customer and their insurer can see the specification.
• Invoice annual servicing and monitoring as separate items with the period covered.
• Quote your NSI or SSAIB certificate number where applicable.
• State the warranty length on the equipment and installation.

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 alarm installers 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%.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for alarm installers is usually “Investigation or security” at 12% 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.