Career coach invoice template

How do career coaches usually invoice?

Career coaches sell packages that combine sessions with written deliverables such as a CV rewrite or LinkedIn profile, paid in advance by card by private clients, and invoice employers monthly in arrears for outplacement work on 30 day terms. The invoice itemises sessions and documents separately so the client can see what a package contains. Private clients are often between jobs, so payment before the first session is the rule.

Career coaches in this example are paid on receipt. Hourly rates run from £70 to £160.

What should a career coach put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, career coaches should:

• Itemise sessions and written deliverables (CV, cover letter, LinkedIn) separately in packages.
• Take payment before the first session from private clients.
• For outplacement, invoice the employer with session dates and the employee's initials only.
• State the validity period of a package and the cancellation policy.

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 career coaches 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, these services are standard rated at 20% for UK clients; services to business clients outside the UK are generally outside the scope of UK VAT.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for career coaches is usually “Any other activity not listed elsewhere” 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.