Marketing consultant invoice template
A worked example for marketing consultants in the professional services category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A marketing consultant 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. Marketing consultants typically allow 30 days to pay. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example marketing consultant invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 30 day terms. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
P. Murphy
Marketing consultant
21 Harbour View
Plymouth
PL1 6HJ
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
- Marketing consultant work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing strategy and 12 month plan, fixed fee | 1 project | £3,200.00 | 20% | £3,200.00 |
| Fractional marketing director, 2 days per month, October 2026 | 2 days | £650.00 | 20% | £1,300.00 |
| Paid media spend managed on client's behalf (recharged at cost) | 1 item | £1,500.00 | 20% | £1,500.00 |
- Subtotal
- £6,000.00
- VAT at 20%
- £1,200.00
- Total
- £7,200.00
Typical rates for marketing consultants
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 | £60 to £150 |
| Typical day rate | £400 to £900 |
| Payment terms | 30 days |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Management consultancy (14%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do marketing consultants usually invoice?
Marketing consultants invoice a fixed fee for strategy work, usually half on commission and half on delivery, and a monthly fee in advance for fractional or retained roles with the days per month stated. Advertising spend managed on the client's behalf is recharged at cost on a separate line, or better, paid directly by the client on their own card to keep it off your turnover. Agencies and SMEs pay on 30 day terms.
Marketing consultants in this example give the customer 30 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £60 to £150. A full day is typically £400 to £900.
What should a marketing consultant put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, marketing consultants should:
- Keep ad spend off your invoice where possible; if you must recharge it, show it at cost on its own line.
- State the days per month and what the fractional role covers.
- Invoice strategy projects 50% on commission and 50% on delivery of the plan.
- List the deliverables accepted (plan, audit, calendar) 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 marketing consultants 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 marketing consultants is usually “Management consultancy” at 14% 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
- Should a marketing consultant recharge ad spend?
- Avoid it if you can: have the client pay the ad platform directly so the spend is never your turnover or your VAT problem. If you must recharge, show it at cost with the platform invoice attached. Recharged spend counts towards your VAT registration threshold, which can push you over £90,000 early.
- How much do marketing consultants charge?
- Day rates of £400 to £900 in 2026, with fractional marketing director roles at £1,200 to £3,000 a month for two to four days. Strategy projects run from £2,000 to £8,000. Hourly rates of £60 to £150 apply to ad hoc advice.
- Do marketing consultants charge VAT?
- Once registered above £90,000 turnover, yes at 20% on fees to UK clients. Work for business clients abroad is generally outside the scope of UK VAT. On the flat rate scheme, marketing consultancy is usually treated as management consultancy at 14%, though some use advertising at 11%; check with HMRC guidance for your mix of work.
More professional services templates
- Consultant invoice template
- Business consultant invoice template
- Management consultant invoice template
- HR consultant invoice template
- Recruiter invoice template
- Bookkeeper invoice template
Other trades
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Cite this page: “Marketing consultant invoice template”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/marketing-consultant