Piano teacher invoice template

How do piano teachers usually invoice?

Piano teachers invoice termly in advance for a fixed slot each week, with the lesson count for the term stated and a policy that pupil absences are not refunded, and bill adult learners monthly or per lesson. Theory lessons before Grade 6 exams and accompanying at exams and festivals are separate lines, and accompanying is a performance rather than tuition for VAT purposes. Many teachers raise fees once a year in September and say so on the summer invoice.

Piano teachers in this example give the customer 7 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £30 to £65.

What should a piano teacher put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, piano teachers should:

• Invoice termly with the lesson count, slot time and term dates.
• Keep accompanying and theory as separate lines from the weekly lesson.
• State the missed-lesson policy and the notice period for giving up the slot, usually half a term.
• Announce fee changes on the invoice before the term they take effect.

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 piano teachers charge VAT?

Piano tuition taught personally by a self-employed teacher is exempt from VAT as private tuition in a subject ordinarily taught in schools, so no VAT is charged regardless of income. The exemption does not extend to lessons given by teachers you employ or to accompanying work, which is a performance service and standard rated once registered above £90,000 turnover.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for piano teachers 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.