DJ invoice template

How do DJs usually invoice?

DJs invoice per event with the hours, equipment and any lighting extras listed, take a booking deposit of around 25% and collect the balance before or on the night. Club and bar residencies are invoiced weekly or monthly at a set fee per night. The invoice names the date and venue because that is what the deposit secures.

DJs in this example give the customer 14 days to pay, after a 25% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £60 to £150.

What should a DJ put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, DJs should:

• Put the event date, venue and hours on the invoice, with the overtime rate per hour.
• List equipment and lighting packages as separate lines; it justifies the price against a bare DJ fee.
• Take the deposit on booking and make the balance due before the event.
• For residencies, list each night's date and fee on a monthly 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 DJs 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 DJs 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.