Animator invoice template
A worked example for animators in the creative and media category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A animator 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. Animators typically allow 30 days to pay and take a 40% deposit. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example animator invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 30 day terms and a 40% deposit already received. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
J. Khan
Animator
12 Mill Lane
Reading
RG1 4XY
Bill to
Hilltop Farm Shop
Hilltop Lane
Ludlow
SY8 2EJ
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 31 October 2026
- Terms
- 30 days
- Reference
- Animator work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D explainer animation, 90 seconds: storyboard, style frames, animation | 1 project | £3,600.00 | 20% | £3,600.00 |
| Professional voice-over, 90 seconds (recharged) | 1 fixed | £220.00 | 20% | £220.00 |
| Music licence and sound design | 1 fixed | £180.00 | 20% | £180.00 |
| Additional language version, subtitles and re-timing | 1 version | £350.00 | 20% | £350.00 |
- Subtotal
- £4,350.00
- VAT at 20%
- £870.00
- Total
- £5,220.00
- Less deposit received (40%)
- -£2,088.00
- Balance due
- £3,132.00
Typical rates for animators
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 | £40 to £85 |
| Typical day rate | £320 to £650 |
| Payment terms | 30 days |
| Deposit | 40% up front |
| VAT flat rate sector | Film, radio, television or video production (13%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do animators usually invoice?
Animators invoice projects in stages tied to approvals: a deposit of 40% on the signed brief, a payment when the storyboard and style frames are approved, and the balance on delivery of the final render. Per-second pricing is common for explainer work, with voice-over, music and sound design recharged. Studios booking freelance animators pay a day rate on 30 day terms.
Animators in this example give the customer 30 days to pay, after a 40% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £40 to £85. A full day is typically £320 to £650.
What should a animator put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, animators should:
- Invoice against approval stages (storyboard, style frames, final) so each payment follows a sign-off.
- Define the length, frame size and number of revision rounds at each stage.
- Recharge voice-over, music and sound design with the licence terms noted.
- For studio day-rate work, list the days and the project code the studio gave you.
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 animators 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 animators is usually “Film, radio, television or video production” at 13% 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 animators price an explainer video?
- Per second of finished animation, typically £25 to £60 per second for 2D explainer work in 2026, so a 90 second piece is £2,500 to £5,500 including storyboard and style frames. Character animation and 3D cost more. Day rates for studio work are £320 to £650.
- Why invoice animation in stages?
- Because changes after animation starts are expensive, each stage approval should trigger a payment: that gives the client a reason to sign off properly and protects you if the project stalls. Three stages is usual: deposit, storyboard approval, final delivery.
- Do animators charge VAT?
- Once registered above £90,000 turnover, yes at 20% to UK clients. Animation for business clients abroad is generally outside the scope of UK VAT. The flat rate sector for film and video production, 13%, covers animation.
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Cite this page: “Animator invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/animator